Cowboys Trade Rumors: What's Next For Dallas In 2024?

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 54 views

Alright, Cowboys fans, let's dive deep into the swirling vortex of Dallas Cowboys trade news for 2024. The offseason is always a wild ride, and trying to predict what America's Team will do is like trying to herd cats. But hey, that's why we're here, right? To break down the possibilities, analyze the rumors, and speculate wildly about what Jerry Jones and the front office might be cooking up. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get started!

Analyzing the Current State of the Cowboys

Before we jump into potential trades, it's crucial to understand where the Cowboys stand right now. After another disappointing playoff exit, it's clear that changes need to be made. The team has some glaring weaknesses, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. While they have stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, football is a team game, and those stars need support. The Cowboys also have some tough decisions to make regarding free agency and the salary cap. Several key players are set to hit the open market, and the team will need to prioritize who they want to keep and who they're willing to let go. This will significantly impact their trade strategy, as they might look to acquire players to fill the voids left by departing free agents. Furthermore, the performance of the team during the regular season, especially how they address their needs through the draft, will inform their approach to potential trades as the 2024 season progresses. The coaching staff's evaluations and the overall team chemistry will also be crucial factors in determining which players the Cowboys might be willing to part with in exchange for valuable assets.

The Cowboys' front office needs to identify which players are untouchable, which are expendable, and which could be used as trade bait to acquire valuable draft picks or proven veterans. This involves a comprehensive assessment of each player's performance, potential, and contract situation. Are they looking to rebuild, retool, or go all-in for a Super Bowl run? The answer to that question will dictate their trade strategy. Another critical aspect to consider is the development of younger players on the roster. If the Cowboys believe they have promising talent waiting in the wings, they might be more willing to trade away established players who are taking up valuable roster spots. This would allow the younger players to get more playing time and develop into key contributors.

Potential Trade Targets for the Cowboys

Okay, let's get to the fun part: who could the Cowboys be targeting in a trade? Here are a few positions and players that might make sense:

Offensive Line: The Cowboys' offensive line has struggled in recent years, and they need to find a way to protect Dak Prescott. A veteran offensive lineman who can provide stability and leadership would be a huge boost. Players like Trent Williams (though highly unlikely), or perhaps a more realistic target like a solid guard or center from a team with depth at those positions, could be on their radar. The Cowboys might also look to trade for a younger, up-and-coming lineman with the potential to develop into a long-term starter.
Secondary: The Cowboys' pass defense has been inconsistent, and they could use an upgrade at cornerback or safety. A player like Marlon Humphrey (if the Ravens are willing to part ways) or a ball-hawking safety could transform the defense. They might also consider trading for a cornerback who excels in zone coverage to better fit their defensive scheme. Additionally, the Cowboys could target players with experience playing multiple positions in the secondary, providing them with greater flexibility and depth.
Linebacker: While Micah Parsons is a superstar, the Cowboys could use more depth and experience at the linebacker position. A veteran linebacker who can help mentor the younger players and provide a physical presence in the middle of the defense would be a valuable addition. Furthermore, if the Cowboys are looking to change their defensive scheme, they might trade for a linebacker with specific skills that fit the new system. This could involve targeting players who are particularly adept at blitzing, covering tight ends, or stopping the run.

Of course, these are just a few possibilities. The Cowboys' actual trade targets will depend on a variety of factors, including their needs, their budget, and the availability of players. It's also worth noting that the Cowboys could surprise us and trade for a player at a position we're not even expecting. That's the beauty (and the frustration) of the NFL offseason!

Players the Cowboys Could Trade Away

To acquire new talent, the Cowboys will likely need to part ways with some of their current players. Here are a few players who could be on the trading block:

Ezekiel Elliott: While Elliott has been a valuable player for the Cowboys, his production has declined in recent years, and his contract is expensive. The Cowboys might be willing to trade him to a team that needs a veteran running back, especially if they believe that Tony Pollard is ready to take over as the lead back. However, Elliott's value may have diminished to the point where a trade wouldn't be beneficial for the Cowboys. They may need to consider other options, such as restructuring his contract or releasing him outright.
Michael Gallup: Gallup has shown flashes of potential, but he hasn't been consistent enough, and the emergence of CeeDee Lamb could make him expendable. The Cowboys might be able to get a decent draft pick for him, especially if a team is looking for a receiver with upside. However, Gallup's injury history could also make him a less attractive trade target. The Cowboys would need to carefully weigh the potential benefits of trading him against the risk of losing a valuable receiving option.
Defensive Players: Depending on their needs and the offers they receive, the Cowboys could also consider trading away some of their defensive players. Players like Jourdan Lewis or Neville Gallimore could be attractive to teams looking for depth or potential starters on defense. The Cowboys would need to evaluate their defensive depth and determine which players they can afford to part with without significantly weakening their defense. They might also consider trading players who are not a good fit for their defensive scheme or who have struggled to live up to expectations.

It's important to remember that trades are a two-way street. The Cowboys need to find teams that are willing to give them something of value in return for their players. They also need to consider the impact that trading away certain players would have on their team chemistry and locker room. Ultimately, the decision of who to trade will come down to a careful evaluation of their needs, their assets, and the market value of their players.

Potential Trade Scenarios

Let's play armchair general manager for a moment and cook up a few potential trade scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Cowboys trade Ezekiel Elliott and a third-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for a second-round pick and a veteran offensive lineman. This would give the Cowboys some much-needed help on the offensive line while also freeing up some cap space. The Falcons would get a veteran running back to help their offense, and the Cowboys would move up in the draft and address a position of need.
Scenario 2: The Cowboys trade Michael Gallup to the New York Jets for a fourth-round pick and a young cornerback. This would give the Jets a receiver with upside, and the Cowboys would get a draft pick and a potential replacement for one of their departing cornerbacks. The Cowboys would also free up some cap space, and the Jets would add a weapon to their offense.
Scenario 3: The Cowboys trade Jourdan Lewis to the Las Vegas Raiders for a fifth-round pick and a veteran linebacker. This would give the Raiders some depth in the secondary, and the Cowboys would get a draft pick and a linebacker who can help mentor their younger players. The Cowboys would also add some experience to their linebacking corps, and the Raiders would bolster their secondary.

These are just a few examples, of course, and the actual trades that the Cowboys make could be completely different. But these scenarios illustrate the types of deals that could make sense for both the Cowboys and their potential trade partners.

The Impact of the Draft on Potential Trades

The NFL Draft is a huge factor in shaping teams' trade strategies. What happens in the draft can significantly influence the Cowboys' approach to trades. If they draft a player at a position of need, they might be less likely to trade for a player at that position. Conversely, if they fail to address a particular need in the draft, they might be more aggressive in pursuing a trade for a player who can fill that void.

For example, if the Cowboys draft a highly rated offensive tackle in the first round, they might be less likely to trade for a veteran offensive lineman. However, if they don't draft an offensive lineman at all, they might be more willing to trade for a player like Trent Brown to bolster their offensive line. The draft also affects the trade value of players. If a lot of teams are looking for a particular position in the draft, the value of players at that position will likely increase. This could make it more difficult for the Cowboys to acquire players through trades, as they'll have to pay a higher price.

What to Expect in 2024

So, what can we expect from the Cowboys in terms of trades in 2024? It's difficult to say for sure, but here are a few educated guesses:

The Cowboys will likely be active in exploring trade opportunities, especially if they feel that they need to make a significant upgrade at a particular position.
They will be looking for value in any trades they make, and they won't be afraid to walk away from a deal if they don't think it's in their best interest.
They will be mindful of their salary cap situation, and they won't make any trades that would put them in a difficult financial position.
They will be looking for players who can contribute immediately, as well as players who have the potential to develop into long-term starters.
Dallas Cowboys trade news will continue to be a hot topic throughout the offseason, and fans will be eagerly awaiting any news of potential deals.

Ultimately, the Cowboys' success in 2024 will depend on a variety of factors, including their performance in the draft, their ability to make smart trades, and their overall team chemistry. It's going to be a wild ride, guys, so buckle up and enjoy the show! The Cowboys have a lot of work to do to get back to the Super Bowl, but with some smart moves and a little bit of luck, they could be contenders once again. And who knows, maybe a key trade will be the thing that puts them over the top! Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: it's going to be an exciting offseason for Cowboys fans. So, stay tuned for more Dallas Cowboys trade news and analysis as it becomes available. And remember, in Jerry we trust (sort of)! Go Cowboys! Let's bring that Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas!