When it comes to the NFL’s fast-approaching trade deadline, the Cowboys have been one of the teams most frequently mentioned as potentially active. That’s because, in addition to two first-round picks obtained from the Packers in the Micah Parsons trade, Dallas also has pretty clear needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Among the league’s observer class, the pass rush has been most frequently mentioned point for improvement. With Parsons gone, that makes some sense.
But the fact is, the unit has gotten better as time has gone on, and the addition of veteran Jadeveon Clowney has given the group a boost. In fact, the pass-rushers rate No. 16 overall at Pro Football Focus, and for any Cowboys defensive unit–considering the power of the team’s offense–a rating of league average is a big win.
On ESPN’s list of 25 NFL trade candidates this week, the Cowboys are linked to just about every pass-rusher who could be in the mix, after Trey Hendrickson. But the reality is, the team has more pressing needs elsewhere on the defense.
Cowboys Could Have Interest in Alontae Taylor
That’s why it was an eye-opener to see ESPN mention the Cowboys has a potential trade fit for one of the non-pass rushers on the list: Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, a second-round pick from Tennessee in 2022. Taylor would be a strong fit in a defensive secondary that appeared to be top-heavy coming into the year, but has found that even the top might not be all it was cracked up to be.
Here’s what insider Jeremy Fowler wrote of Taylor’s potential availability at the trade deadline:
“This would be a surprise but is still one to watch. The Saints don’t want to trade Taylor but would consider it if they receive a strong offer. He is on the radar of a few teams. Taylor is a 2026 free agent who figures to earn a big payday, and it’s worth noting that the Saints have a young core of defensive backs they like in Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley and Jonas Sanker.”
Fowler tabs the Cowboys, Bills and Seahawks as potential “team fits.”
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Trevon Diggs #7 of the Dallas Cowboys
Defense Needs Help in Coverage
Taylor’s status as a free agent means he is likely to be a second-half rental for whomever acquires him–which should knock down the Saints’ asking price in a deal. If the Cowboys could land him for a Day 3 pick, he could shore up a unit that badly needs help.
The Cowboys’ top two corners–Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland–are expensive stars, but each has been injured and neither has played up to his paycheck this year.
Bland rates as the No. 44 corner in the league out of 112, according to PFF, and Diggs is just No. 63. The Cowboys need help in coverage, and Taylor could chip in for the back half of this season.
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