The Dallas Cowboys are considered favorites to win the NFC East in 2021, but if they hope to win the division, they’ll need to improve on defense. While the offense should be one of the best groups in the NFL with Dak Prescott returning, the Cowboys had the 23rd ranked defense in terms of yards allowed, and they had the 28th ranked defense in terms of points allowed. The team’s dismal performance on defense led Dallas to firing Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator, replacing him with Dan Quinn.
Besides the addition of Quinn, the Cowboys have added — mainly in the form of rookies — pieces to their defense in hopes it results in a better outcome than last season. Before highlighting some trade targets for Dallas, it is key to pinpoint their weakest position, which is the cornerback position.
Atop the depth chart for Dallas, they are leaning on a few young guys in Trevon Diggs, Kelvin Joseph, and Nahshon Wright to carry the secondary. In light of that, let’s take a look at three players that the Cowboys should consider pursuing via trade before the regular season gets underway in September.
Xavien Howard
It’s no secret that Xavien Howard no longer wants to be a member of the Miami Dolphins. Howard announced his request to be traded as the Dolphins were unwilling to rework his contract as he believed he deserves a raise due to his recent play. So whoever decides to make a move for the 28-year-old cornerback is going to have to negotiate a contract with Howard that makes him one of the highest-paid players at his position.
Just a season ago, Howard led the league with 10 interceptions and 20 pass breakups, just two years after leading the NFL with seven interceptions. Howard’s ability to create takeaways is a plus for any defense and the Cowboys could use any help they can get in the secondary. While it remains to be seen if Jerry Jones and co. are willing to shell out a boatload of money for someone to strengthen the backend of the defense, Howard would definitely bolster the position.
Stephon Gilmore
Another veteran cornerback that has been discussed as a trade candidate is Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots. Gilmore is interested in getting a new contract with the Patriots as he enters the final year of his current deal. The veteran cornerback held out of minicamps this offseason in hopes it would lead to a new extension, but both sides are at a standstill. New England is likely hesitant to make Gilmore one of the highest-paid cornerbacks again as he is set to turn 31 years old in September. Not to mention, he just missed five games in 2020, so paying him after a nagging injury would be a risky move.
While Gilmore isn’t exactly the same cornerback he was just a couple of years ago, he’s still one of the best at his craft. Just two years ago, Gilmore was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, recording a league-high six interceptions and 20 pass breakups. Unlike Howard, Gilmore hasn’t requested a trade from the Patriots. But if Gilmore and New England can’t come to terms on a new contract, maybe the Cowboys could discuss a potential trade for the disgruntled cornerback.
Bradley Roby
Howard and Gilmore are definitely not cheap options when it comes to addressing the cornerback position for the Cowboys. Even though he’d still cost a little over $10 million, Bradley Roby is a slightly cheaper route that Dallas could take if they’re looking to trade for a cornerback. Roby is currently stuck on a Houston Texans team that may win the fewest amount of games in 2021, especially with Deshaun Watson not expected to take another snap with the franchise.
Even though Roby isn’t on the same level as Howard or Gilmore, he’s a solid cornerback that would be a welcomed addition to Dallas. In his two seasons with the Texans, Roby has posted three interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 20 games. If Roby isn’t traded this offseason, I expect him to be a popular name at the trade deadline in the upcoming season. To give them an experienced cornerback among a group of young players, Roby would be a feasible choice on the trade market.
