The Dallas Cowboys have endured a rough start to the season, ranking among the worst teams in the NFC. Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons also saw Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb exit with injuries. While the season is not yet over, with just 24 hours until the trade deadline, it looks bleak for Jerry Jones’ team. Possible trade candidates for the Cowboys include Zack Martin, Rico Dowdle, and Brandin Cooks.
Offensive struggles have been a key issue for the Cowboys this season. The defense has dealt with injuries to DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, but the offense hasn’t capitalized on opportunities. Sunday’s game highlighted this as the defense kept things close, only for the offense to fall behind. The Falcons pulled ahead after three ineffective Cowboys drives, and although Cooper Rush narrowed the gap, Atlanta held on for the win.
Trading players from the offense would signal the Cowboys are giving up on this season, especially with head coach Mike McCarthy on an expiring contract. McCarthy needed a successful playoff run to secure his job, but his team has underperformed. If Jerry Jones is open to a rebuild, trading these players makes sense.
Zack Martin Could Finish Hall of Fame Career Elsewhere
Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) lines up for the snap during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys have long been defined by their offensive linemen. Dak Prescott’s rookie season was powered by Ezekiel Elliott running behind an elite line, with right guard Zack Martin as a cornerstone. Now, with Martin approaching free agency, the Cowboys could trade the future Hall of Famer.
Recently, the Vikings traded for Cam Robinson from the Jaguars, giving up a fifth-round pick that could turn into a fourth. Although Robinson plays a more valuable position and is younger, Martin’s reputation as a seven-time All-Pro could bring a similar or slightly lower return. A trade would allow the Cowboys to clear his cap hit for the season.
Jones should recognize the Cowboys are not competing this year. Martin might not re-sign and could even consider retirement. Although he’s a franchise legend, trading him by Tuesday would be a practical move for Dallas.
Rico Dowdle Could Strengthen a Contender’s Offense
The Cowboys started the season aware of their running back issues. After deciding Derrick Henry was too costly, they went with Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, backed by Rico Dowdle. This setup hasn’t worked, increasing the load on Dak Prescott, and contributing to the team’s 3-5 record.
The Cowboys could trade a running back to a contender for a mid-round pick. Dowdle, a solid young player, is an unrestricted free agent and could soon command a higher salary, making him expendable. Dallas could replace him with a draft pick.
Meanwhile, the 49ers are dealing with running back injuries. If Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason miss more time, San Francisco might be interested in Dowdle, who could flourish in their system known for producing 100-yard rushers.
Cowboys Should Trade Brandin Cooks Before Deadline
The wide receiver trade market has been busy this season. Davante Adams went to the Jets, Amari Cooper joined the Bills, Diontae Johnson moved to the Ravens, and DeAndre Hopkins went to the Chiefs. Though Brandin Cooks isn’t at their level, he could provide depth to a team needing another target.
Trading Cooks likely won’t yield a high draft pick, but Dallas is more focused on freeing up cap space to rebuild next year. Parting with Cooks now simplifies their offseason decisions and boosts their ability to improve via the draft.
The Steelers, for instance, reportedly had a deal to acquire Christian Kirk from the Jaguars before Kirk’s collarbone injury. Mike Tomlin still needs another target to support George Pickens, and Cooks could fill that gap.