Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has said before that he doesn’t want to be the first one to pick up the phone in a trade negotiation. Initiation can scream desperation rather than exploration. So, theoretically, Jones waits for the phone to ring.
This past week, though, the Cowboys have been the subject of multiple rumors. They reportedly called the Las Vegas Raiders about defensive end Maxx Crosby. They reportedly called the Cincinnati Bengals about Trey Hendrickson, too. Jones, speaking during a league meeting in New York, then attempted to undermine all of that by telling The Athletic that a trade for a pass rusher wouldn’t be on his wish list if he had the chance to make a deal.
Here was Jones on Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM): “I can tell you this right now there is not a trade, in my mind — the beginning and end of one as we sit here and talk — at all. That’s not a hedge. We just don’t have one at this time that I would do.”
Time is relative, however, and things can change.
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The Cowboys are interested in improving a defense that’s been one of the worst in the NFL this season. They have the ability to — as Jones would say — cut-and-shoot with an influx of draft capital after the trade of Micah Parsons to Green Bay. They want to build for their future. Jones has made it clear that someone with multiple years left on their contract would be the most optimal trade target for them, though that’s the case for all teams, he suggested Tuesday.
Will the Cowboys make a deal before the league’s Nov. 4 trade deadline? Let’s indulge the question for a moment. Here are six potential trade targets for the Cowboys:
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs through Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) for a 20-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Cincinnati Bengals LB Logan Wilson
This is perhaps the most sensical target for the Cowboys. Wilson is under a pretty friendly contract that will keep him from free agency until 2028. He’s been a playmaker for the Bengals, especially in pass coverage. Nearing 30, he’ll surely bring experience and leadership to a linebacker room that could use some direction. He also wants out of Cincinnati and has made that request known.
Congrats, Logan! In this scenario, you go from the 32nd-ranked defense to the 31st in Dallas.
New York Jets RB Breece Hall
Javonte Williams has been fantastic for the Cowboys. He looks like his old self. There’s one lingering question about the future of this season for Williams, however: Can he sustain it? He’s on pace for a career high in carries. The Cowboys could seek someone to spell Williams. Hall would not only do that, but add plenty of talent to the Cowboys’ backfield. He’s averaging five yards per carry this season.
The one issue: Hall is a free agent next year and will likely want to get paid. This could be a rental with the hopes of a compensatory pick in the future. It would certainly help in the meantime, however.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) runs after the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 19 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Kirk Irwin / AP
Miami Dolphins Edge Jaelan Phillips
Phillips is another pending free agent, meaning a trade for him could also be a rental. The Cowboys, however, desperately need some juice in their pass rush. The Cowboys only have six players with at least 20 pressures so far this season. Phillips has 27, which would make him the leader on the Cowboys. The Dolphins are also likely motivated to make deals as they head into a potential rebuild.
Tennessee Titans Edge Arden Key
Key would provide less juice than Phillips from a pass-rushing standpoint, but he would provide some solid depth. He would also be a positive in the run defense department. He has a 65.0 run defense grade on PFF, which would put him second on the Cowboys behind Jadeveon Clowney (65.4). Could he be the key to turning this around? Probably not, but the Cowboys know they’re more than one player away. Key would be affordable and helpful.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) defends during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Tyler Kaufman / AP
New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis
OK, this is one where people might get annoyed. Why would the Cowboys, in a season that’s looking increasingly bleak, give up any draft capital for a 36-year-old linebacker? I get it. But here are two reasons.
First, that 36-year-old linebacker can still play.
Secondly, Davis could provide something the Cowboys are missing.
Dallas lost a lot of leaders this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Jourdan Lewis was arguably the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ defense last year. DeMarcus Lawrence may not have had everyone’s utmost approval in the locker room, but his departure resulted in a lack of a veteran presence. The Cowboys were even hoping Parsons could take some of that leadership this offseason before a contract dispute resulted in his departure, too.
Davis would bring some bite to a defense that needs it. He also could be a mentor for the young linebackers on the Cowboys.
Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard was excellent in Dallas when he spelled Ezekiel Elliott. Could he do the same for Williams? Just a thought.
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