With the NFC East completely wide open, don’t be surprised if Jerry Jones is looking to make another big move to improve the Dallas Cowboys chances of winning the division. He is a known gambler and sitting on his hands and letting things play out is simply not his style. He’s more of a “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” type of person, and that attitude could come in to play with the November 10 NFL trade deadline approaching.
Between now and the trade deadline the Cowboys have four games to
play against the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts. Depending on how those games turn out, especially against the Eagles, could determine whether they are buyers like they have been this year or sellers to help reload for next year and beyond.
Today, we’ll at both sides of the argument.
Buyers
Jerry Jones has shown little hesitancy parting with future draft capital this year. He already traded for Rashan Gary, Dee Winters, Broderick Jones, and most recently Joey Porter Jr. As a result, they currently only have a total of four picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, one in the first, second, fourth, and seventh rounds. Despite that, Jerry Jones insists he’s more than willing to sacrifice the future to upgrade the present.
If true, the Cowboys could very well be buyers once again. Maxx Crosby continues to be rumored as a trade target for them, and fellow pass rusher Josh Sweat is another name thrown around, especially after the way the Cardinal season is circling the drain. To acquire either one of them via trade would likely take at least Dallas’ first-round pick next year with some change thrown in, further depleting next year’s draft capital.
It’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility, but may be unwise considering how the Cowboys are currently struggling defensively and not playing up to their talent on the offensive side of the ball.
Yes, it may result in a playoff berth, but another early exit without the tools to rebuild for the future could hurt the organization for a number of years. It would be another risk for Jerry Jones among many since purchasing the team.
Sellers
Depending on how the next four games play out for the Cowboys, it may make sense for them to start selling off their best trade assets to the highest bidder. Next year’s draft class is a talented one, especially at positions of “need” for Dallas. They are a team that has been building through the draft for a number of years now and stocking up on more draft capital could be in the best interest for the future of the organization.
The Cowboys have a number of trade assets who could be appealing to other teams around the league. George Pickens of course is at the top of the list. He could net them some high-round draft capital, but the limitations, because of the franchise tag, on signing a new contract with a new team hurts that value some. T.J. Bass could have some serious suitors as well, among others Dallas could be willing to part ways with.
Being sellers ahead of the November 10 trade deadline this year makes a lot of sense based on how things are playing out for the Cowboys so far this season. Right now there is no reason to believe this team can make waves in the playoffs. It may actually make more sense to reload and try again next year.
That, of course, depends on how Jerry Jones and Company view things. He may be more optimistic things can still be turned around. The game at the Packers on Sunday will be telling.
What do you think? Will the Cowboys be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
