5 immediate trades Cowboys should make before deadline to boost playoff chances

The Dallas Cowboys' roster construction is about as black and white as it gets in the NFL. The team's offense is the leader in the clubhouse thanks to an overperforming Javonte Williams and George Pickens, who were added in the offseason. However, the team's biggest issue is even clearer, and it was one arguably created by Jerry Jones early in the year.

By moving on from Micah Parsons, the team's mid-tier defense took a significant nose-dive to be one of the weakest units in the NFL. As such, armed with added resources thanks to the Parsons trade, Dallas could be significantly better overnight if it makes moves to reload their defense.

Here's a look at some of the players that could help mask the loss of Parsons and make the team into an NFC contender.

5 immediate trades Cowboys should make

Jerry Jones at Dallas Cowboys v Denver Broncos - Source: Getty

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#1 - Darius Slay, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Dallas Cowboys are 30th in passing defense. The fastest way to fix the unit is to make a move to bolster the cornerback room. The Pittsburgh Steelers have little reason to set a high price for Darius Slay as the cornerback is a recent addition and hasn't quite worked out.

However, as a Super Bowl winner a season ago, there is reason to believe that the right fit could get a better version out of Slay. Slay has experience in the NFC East, which could help the Cowboys significantly against their division rivals.

Plus, as a recent former member of the Eagles, Slay could have some inside information available as a bonus, including perhaps a theory or two on how to stop the tush push.

#2 - Zaven Collins, Edge, Arizona Cardinals

With Micah Parsons gone, the Cowboys sit in the bottom ten of the league in total sacks. Adding a pass rusher would help speed up the opposing quarterback's internal clock, which would help out the struggling secondary. Collins could be the boost Dallas needs.

With Dallas set to battle against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football, Jerry Jones will have plenty of focus on Arizona's team. This could be the perfect moment for Jones to discover Collins, decide he wants him, and dial the phone number of Arizona's general manager, Monti Ossenfort. Collins earned five sacks in 2024.

#3 - Ja'Quan McMillian, CB, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have been a glutton for cornerbacks, with the team pairing the young Patrick Surtain II with first-round rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron. As such, with so many options in their cornerback room, sending away one would far from ruin the unit.

The Dallas Cowboys saw first-hand how stiff the team's defense can be earlier this season in a blowout loss, and Jerry Jones has every reason to want a piece of what worked in Denver. McMillian's special ability could be his ability to sack the quarterback on a cornerback blitz, as the cornerback has two sacks this season.

Adding McMillian could help kill two birds with one stone in helping the secondary as well as the pass rush.

#4 - Logan Wilson, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

Logan Wilson is still in his 20s and is heading for an out in his contract after the season, per Spotrac.. The Cincinnati Bengals have every reason to listen to trade offers, and Jerry Jones should be at the front of the line. Wilson has earned four interceptions in two separate years, which could go a long way to help repair the team's defensive standing.

Of course, the Bengals defense as a whole has struggled, but Wilson has not been the problem. If Jones can get Wilson for a deal assuming that the Bengals want to rebuild their defense in the offseason, the move would make an instant impact for Dallas.

#5 - Jarrian Jones, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jarrian Jones is a slot cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a quality rookie outing, according to PFF. Jones earned a 69.0 PFF grade via Yahoo Sports, and with so much untapped potential, the Cowboys could get a foundational building block if they can pry Jones away from the Jaguars.

He also had an impressive run-stuffing grade. If the Cowboys can stiffen their secondary, it would help give time for the team's pass rush to get to the quarterback, generating plenty of coverage sacks, which Dallas is desperately missing. Plus, if Jones can help lock down the run and force more passing from quarterbacks uncomfortable with carrying the game, it could pay dividends.

Edited by Ian Van Roy