The Dallas Cowboys made a couple of moves before the trade deadline, sending a seventh-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for linebacker Logan Wilson and a second rounder to the New York Jets along with a 2027 first rounder for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Dallas had to improve on one of the worst defenses in team history to even have a chance to win some of their upcoming contests.
Anything can happen in the NFL. Just two seasons ago, the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles were 10-1 then collapsed, allowing the Cowboys to win the division; no one would’ve predicted that.
As this season is likely a wash for Dallas, many pundits question these moves due to that probability, but the Cowboys could have a multitude of reasons for the timing of these trades, even in a lost season.
Testing Matt Eberflus
Jerry Jones recently went on record stating how he regrets not having continuity at the defensive coordinator position. This signals that Matt Eberflus is safe for this season and likely beyond, but there are limits, and maybe the Dallas general manager is testing them.
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If Eberflus can’t improve this defense over the back half of the year with the additions of Williams, Wilson, and the players returning from injury, then that may be the last straw for him going into the 2026 offseason.
Dallas hasn’t been able to figure out the defensive tackle position
The Dallas Cowboys have been trying to acquire a game-changing defensive tackle for a very long time, attempting to draft one many times. Trysten Hill was a second-round pick, Neville Gallimore, Maliek Collins, and Osa Odighizuwa were all third-round attempts, and Mazi Smith was a first-round selection.
Not every player is a failed pick; Dallas just extended Odighizuwa, but none have been statistically impactful. Even Kenny Clark, who was part of the Micah Parsons trade, has been solid, but not great. Williams is a standout player at the top of the league who will be a key part of the defense’s foundation in the future. Why risk picks again at the position when a proven piece is available?
Building for the 2026, 2027 seasons
Dallas could’ve likely paid less draft capital to acquire a one-year rental like Trey Hendrickson, but that was not their plan. Both Williams and WIlson are signed through 2027.
Dallas has added one foundational player and another who was one of the best defenders on his team two years ago before he suffered an injury. Wilson fits the zone scheme of Eberflus, and if he can pair with DeMarvion Overshown, then the linebacker position could be solidified for the next few years with Shemar James and Marist Liufau as depth.
With possible fixes at linebacker, three top-line options at defensive tackle, and Donovan Ezeiruaku as a young building block, the front seven could be remade before the 2026 draft.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast