The Dallas Cowboys have a few holes to fill on their roster ahead of the trade deadline. How successfully they fill those voids will determine how competitive they are in the second half of the season and on what they hope to be a deep playoff run.
Injuries have hit them hard on the defensive side of the ball, which has led to some of the pressing needs. Some fans will say they need more weapons offensively, but a scheme change would lead to more success on that side of the ball as much as adding personnel.
If the Cowboys are going to make moves ahead of the deadline, they should focus on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker is the first spot many people will point to following the injury to Leighton Vander Esch, but Dallas has the personnel to cover for that. Also, he was placed on short-term IR and will be back sooner than later.
The same cannot be said for cornerback Trevon Diggs. He tore his ACL earlier in the season and underwent surgery this week. Luckily no more damage was found and he will be cleared for a return sometime in 2024.
Replacing an All-Pro caliber player is not easy. The Cowboys have received some solid contributions from DaRon Bland in his place, but this unit could use some help. Stephon Gilmore, at this stage of his career, should not be pressed into a No. 1, shutdown role,
That is why it has been suggested that the Cowboys make a move for Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears. Playing out the 2023 season on an expiring contract, he is the perfect trade target for Dallas.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn would love to add a player as talented as Johnson to the mix. His acquisition would enable him to play Bland as the nickel/slot corner once again, a role he was thriving in earlier this season. A capable perimeter defender, the Cowboys’ defense is stronger with him on the inside.
If they are comfortable with Diggs’ timeline to return in 2024, they can let Johnson walk in free agency and hope to retain a compensatory pick for him in 2025. Or, they can retain him and have arguably the best cornerback trio in the NFL with him, Diggs and Gilmore.
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