The Dallas Cowboys enter their Week 8 outing against the conference-rival Minnesota Vikings at 5-1. Dallas has won five consecutive games. Its defense, led by new coordinator Dan Quinn, has picked things up. Offensively, Dak Prescott is leading one of the most-electric units in the NFL.
Is America’s Team back at the top after decades of irrelevance on the broader league stage? It’s too early to tell. What we can say is that this is the best iteration of the Cowboys in years.
In no way does that mean everything is perfect in Big D. Owner Jerry Jones just indicated recently that he expects to be active in talks leading up to next week’s NFL trade deadline. With a few holes on their roster, we look at three different trade ideas that could make the Dallas Cowboys legit Super Bowl favorites.
Related: Find out where the Dallas Cowboys stand in Sportsnaut’s NFL power rankings
Dallas Cowboys enhance offensive line with Andrew Norwell
Can Connor Williams be a good left guard in the NFL? Sure. Unfortunately for the Boys, he’s struggled big time with penalties this season and continues to get thrown back behind the line of scrimmage. It’s the one glaring hole for a Cowboys offense line that’s been pretty darn good despite injuries on the unit.
Enter into the equation the high-priced Norwell. Through the first seven weeks of the season, this Jacksonville Jaguars veteran has registered the ninth-best pass-blocking grade among NFL offensive linemen, per Pro Football Focus. With Jacksonville obviously in the midst of a rebuilt, it will likely be willing to move off Norwell and his $15 million cap hit for a mid-to-late round pick. Imagine a starting five from left to right that includes Tyron Smith, Norwell, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and La’el Collins. That’d be all sorts of sexy.
Dallas Cowboys go shopping in South Beach
Another team that’s going to be in full sell-off mode between now and Tuesday, the struggling Miami Dolphins have a lot to potentially offer contending teams. That include Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard, who could he traded here soon. Howard and his Fins found themselves in a contract stalemate prior to the season. He wants a long-term deal with more cash. The veteran has more than proven that he deserves this by leading the NFL interceptions two of the past three seasons. Just imagine Howard teaming up with stud young corner Trevon Diggs (seven interceptions in 2021) in Big D. Talk about a new iteration of the “No Fly Zone.”
Dallas could even potentially double down by siphoning off more talent from Miami’s under-performing roster. More than anything, wide receiver DeVante Parker might be of interest to the Cowboys. He could slide in behind Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, acting as the Cowboys’ top slot guy in the process. Adding these two players for a first-round pick and perhaps Michael Gallup would set Dallas up well moving forward.
Related: Where do the Dallas Cowboys rank among NFL defenses?
Von Miller to Big D
First off, one has to wonder whether Miller would accept a trade to another team given that his Denver Broncos are not anywhere near playoff contenders. Remember, there were rumors the past couple off-seasons that the two sides might seek a divorce. Whether that is still the case remains to be seen.
What we do know is that this former Super Bowl MVP would be an absolutely huge get for the Dallas Cowboys. Even at 32, he’s playing at a high level. This season has seen the eight-time Pro Bowler record nine quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks in seven games. It’s an area the Cowboys would like to address with Demarcus Lawrence still sidelined and other major issues out on the edge.
