3 trade ideas Cowboys should look into ahead of 2024 NFL season

The Dallas Cowboys navigate complicated waters team-building wise as they're still a contender within the NFC thanks to the talent they have at premium positions yet they're not going all in and instead they're admittingly trying to "reset" financially in 2024. 

That leaves them in an odd spot: They can't go into a rebuild because they're too good for that but they aren't willing to improve the roster with big moves to take the next  step in order to succeed in the playoffs.

With free agency mostly over and the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, the Cowboys are pretty much left with the trade market to make any significant additions ahead of the regular season.

That's why we're looking into trade ideas, one ambitious and two realistic options. Let's start with the ambitious one, that involves dealing with none other than the Dan Quinn-led Commanders.

1. DT Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders

Likely cost: Multiple Day 3 draft picks
Could it happen? Not likely at all.

If the Cowboys were at all serious about winning now and going all in, this would be the way to go. The Commanders stole Johnny Newton in the second round of the Draft and recently paid Daron Payne to a $90 million deal. They'll owe Allen $15.5 million in cash for the 2024 season, per Over the Cap. 

Meanwhile, the Cowboys' weakest position on the roster has to be DT. They've got a good one in Osa Odighizuwa but they lack proven players at nose tackle and depth at three-technique. For a struggling run defense, beefing up the DL room would be ideal. Allen remains one of the best defensive tackles in the league and trading for him would surely boost the linebackers' work. 

Ultimately, this would be an expensive move for Dallas and don't seriously think they'll entertain it. They should, though.

2. WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers

Likely cost: Late round draft pick.
Could it happen? Why not? 

Who knows what the 49ers are thinking about Brandon Aiyuk but if they're seriously not thinking of moving on, they've got enough wide receivers to sweat getting read of Jennings. Keep in mind, the Niners drafted Ricky Pearsall 31st overall in the Draft.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys basically admitted they're looking for an insurance policy at wide receiver when they hosted WR Zay Jones in a visit before he signed with the Arizona Cardinals. They're unlikely to find one in free agency, which means a trade with an NFC rival could make sense as they figure out what and who Jalen Tolbert is. 

3. RB James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

Likely cost: Late round draft pick
Could it happen? It makes a lot of sense.

Big props to Dallas Robinson from Pro Football Network, who proposed this trade earlier in May. I love the idea. 

My biggest concern about adding Ezekiel Elliott to the team is how he's not been his former explosive self and he's unlikely to hit doubles or triples, let alone home runs. Conner, on the other hand, was great for the Cardinals in that area. Arizona drafted Trey Benson in the draft.

In Conner, the Cowboys would get the RB with the third-highest explosive rush rate per Sports Info Solutions among running backs with 100+ carries (Zeke was dead last). He was third in EPA/attempt and ninth in success rate.