The Dallas Cowboys have never been afraid to make a splash as long as Jerry Jones has been running the team. If they feel a player can help the team win games, no matter how controversial an addition they would be, Jones goes for it.
This offseason the team has already made multiple trades to fill holes on the roster. Needing a cornerback to pair with Trevon Diggs, Dallas made a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire Stephon Gilmore.
The passing offense was led by CeeDee Lamb, but he needed a new running mate opposite of him. Dallas failed to replace the production of Amari Cooper after trading him to the Cleveland Browns but hopes their acquisition of Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans will do the trick.
The Cowboys may not be done making additions to their roster. There are a few positions on the team that could use some shoring up, which could lead them back to the trade market. One player who could pique their interest is running back Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings asked Cook to take a pay cut earlier this offseason, something he was not open to. As a result, it sounds like a matter of when, not if, he will be on the move. Bryan DeArdo of NFL.com believes the Cowboys would be a good landing spot for the four-time Pro Bowler.
“Now that we’ve covered reality, let’s take a visit to Jerry World. Everyone knows that Jerry Jones loves to make splashy moves, and acquiring Cook would certainly be one. Headlines aside, the move does make sense from a personnel standpoint. The Cowboys would definitely benefit from having a player of Cook’s caliber to play alongside Pollard. Cook would also offer insurance in the event that Pollard leaves after the 2023 season.”
Right now the Cowboys depth chart behind Tony Pollard, whose availability to start the season is up in the air after a devastating lower leg injury suffered during the postseason, is shaky. The team used a sixth-round pick on Deuce Vaughn, have Malik Davis as a holdover and signed Ronald Jones in free agency.
What could a trade between the Cowboys and Vikings look like? Dallas could offer a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft along with a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in exchange for Cook.
Day 3 picks are likely the best offers that the Vikings are receiving, which is why Cook remains on their roster. Looking to shed some salary, they should take whatever they can get as that is better than receiving nothing and releasing Cook.
For the Cowboys, Cook would be a massive upgrade for that depth chart. While more expensive than bringing back Ezekiel Elliott, he is a much better player at this stage of their respective careers. Cook is under contract beyond 2023 as well, providing the team with a reliable option in the backfield in case they cannot retain Pollard in free agency after the season.
