1 Titan of a Trade to Fix a Terrible Cowboys’ Defense

A Bold Trade Scenario That Could Fix the Cowboys’ Defensive Crisis

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense under coordinator Matt Eberflus has been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments.

Once expected to be a disciplined, gap-sound, and opportunistic unit, the group has instead collapsed, ranking near the bottom in sacks, run defense, and third-down stops.

To change that trajectory, imagine this blockbuster trade proposal:

The Cowboys send right tackle Terence Steele, center Brock Hoffman, and the Green Bay Packers’ 2026 first-round pick (acquired in the Micah Parsons trade) to the Tennessee Titans.

The Cowboys receive All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and second-year linebacker Cedric Gray, a 2024 fourth-round pick out of North Carolina.

It’s not official—but it’s the kind of bold move Jerry Jones could make to save a defense that’s spiraling under Eberflus.

Why the Cowboys Would Make This Move

Matt Eberflus’ defensive system is built on discipline, gap control, and speed at the second level—three traits the Cowboys have completely lacked this season.

Opposing offenses have run through them, averaging over 4.7 yards per carry, while the interior line has failed to generate consistent pressure.

That’s where Jeffery Simmons comes in. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the most complete defensive tackles in football, combining brute strength with technique and motor.

He’s averaged eight sacks and 50 pressures per year, production that would instantly change how teams block Dallas’ front four.

Cedric Gray, the Titans’ second-year linebacker and 2024 fourth-round pick, brings speed and instincts to a unit that’s been slow to react. His ability to play in space and cover running backs fits perfectly into Eberflus’ hybrid zone-coverage scheme.

With DeMarvion Overshown returning from injury, Dallas could finally roll out a young, fast linebacker core featuring Gray, Overshown, Shemar James, and Marist Liufau—a group that fits the modern NFL’s speed demands.

Financially, the deal works, too. Brock Hoffman is in the final year of his contract, and Terence Steele’s cap hit is climbing after an inconsistent season.

Trading both would open cap flexibility while paving the way for Nate Thomas to step in at right tackle after showing starting-level flashes earlier this year.

Why the Titans Might Consider It

The Titans, now focused on developing rookie quarterback Cam Ward, are clearly in a rebuilding phase.

Terence Steele gives Tennessee a proven right tackle to protect Ward, and Brock Hoffman adds depth across the offensive interior. Hoffman’s expiring contract also provides flexibility—either as a short-term starter or cap-free exit after the season.

Most importantly, the 2026 first-round pick from Green Bay provides long-term value. It could help general manager Mike Borgonzi secure a key building block or package it to move up in a future draft.

With Jeffery Simmons’ massive contract on the books and Tennessee’s focus shifting to younger talent, a trade like this could serve as a smart reset for the franchise.

How It Could Reshape the Cowboys

If this trade materialized, Matt Eberflus would finally have the personnel to execute his defensive philosophy.

A front anchored by Jeffery Simmons and Osa Odighizuwa, flanked by James Houston and rookie Donovan Ezuiruika, would restore Dallas’ interior dominance.

Behind them, a linebacker group featuring Cedric Gray, DeMarvion Overshown, and Shemar James would give the Cowboys the closing speed and range their system requires.

The domino effect could be dramatic—better gap control, more consistent pressure, and an energized, fast-flowing unit that finally looks like an Eberflus defense.

What This Move Would Signal for Dallas

This bold trade scenario highlights a simple truth: the Cowboys’ defense is broken, and conservative fixes won’t cut it.

Acquiring Jeffery Simmons would give Dallas the elite interior presence it’s been missing for years.

Cedric Gray and DeMarvion Overshown would form a young, explosive linebacker core built to last. And with Nate Thomas ready to take over at right tackle and Brock Hoffman’s deal expiring, the financial impact is manageable.

It’s daring, costly, and unlikely—but if Jerry Jones truly wants to give Matt Eberflus a chance to succeed, this one blockbuster trade could be the spark that reignites the Dallas Cowboys’ defense.