If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck. The Dallas Cowboys are a duck, and a lame one at that.
The time for sugarcoating is over. The Dallas Cowboys are a bad team and it was painfully obvious in their overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals. It should no longer matter they can “technically” still make the playoffs. This team doesn’t deserve such an honor and would only embarrass themselves if they make the postseason.
Now is the time to start preparing
for the future. That means making some coaching changes/adjustments and actively selling off pieces to acquire some much-needed draft capital. With the November 10 NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, we’ll take a look at latter and Cowboys players who could find their names on the trade block.
WR George Pickens
George Pickens is having a solid 2026 season, but not quite as impactful as last year. He’s the team’s best trade asset and could net them a high draft pick, but maybe not a top one as he can’t sign a new contract with another team until the offseason. While it’s true Dallas could franchise tag him once again in 2027, it’s probably best for all parties concerned to avoid the drama and part ways now.
OL T.J. Bass
T.J. Bass proved himself as a quality starting guard in the first four games of the 2026 season while filling in for an injured Tyler Smith when he was on injured reserve. He’ll hit the open market as a free agent after the completion of the season and could command a contract the Cowboys won’t won’t choose to match. Better get something in return now rather than nothing later.
WR KaVontae Turpin
KaVontae Turpin has missed the last two games with a rib injury, and yet, the Cowboys return game hasn’t seemed to miss a beat. Tyler Goodson has been an upgrade on kick returns and Jonathan Mingo has been surprisingly dependable as a punt returner. The Pro Bowl return man and gadget player could potentially land the Cowboys a much-needed pick for next year if traded.
EDGE Rashan Gary
The Rashan Gary trade hasn’t worked out the way the Cowboys have hoped. He hasn’t made much of an impact this year and could be considered somewhat of a progress starter for Malachi Lawrence as things stand right now. Some team around the league may be willing to part with a late-round pick next year to acquire his services, and if so, the Cowboys should absolutely jump at the opportunity.
CB DaRon Bland
Due to his play this season and is inflated contract, it’s probably unlikely DaRon Bland has much of a trade market. Despite that, the Cowboys should absolutely explore the possibility of getting anything in return from their high-priced, underperforming CB. He is destined to be a salary-cap casualty next year and it would be nice to get anything in return, even if it’s just a late-round pick.
