7 Cowboys' Trade Deadline Targets: Former All-Pro they flirted with a long time ago makes sense, the perfect LB, and more

LB Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints

• Difficulty of trade: Low

Davis would be the top target for me. The Saints aren't going anywhere in 2025 and even though Davis has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL over the last seven years, he's 36 years old and could be playing his last football season. I wouldn't be surprised if New Orleans does right by him if he wants out.

And the thing is he might be the perfect linebacker for the Cowboys. He could step in as the Cowboys' middle linebacker and paired with Overshown, Matt Eberflus could have the exact duo of linebackers he needs. Davis wouldn't do much for Dallas' struggles in coverage but at least he'd give them an elite run defender. Right now, Davis remains one of the best run defenders in the league, with 24 stops, the seventh-most per PFF.

EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins

• Difficulty of trade: High

The Cowboys are still the worst third-down defense in the NFL, allowing a 52% conversion rate through seven weeks. How do you improve that? Quarterback pressure. Phillips is a Top 25 edge rusher in pressures, pass rush win rate, and other key metrics. Though not a game-wrecking star, he would be the best pass rusher in Dallas the second he joins the team.

However, he's a talented player showing some of his best football in one of his healthiest seasons. I'm not so sure Miami will be willing to give him up and there is expected to be plenty of interest around the league. That's a bad combination for the Cowboys front office.

"Philips will be a top target for buyers at the deadline, looking for an upgrade at edge. If he can stay healthy, his best football still seems to be in front of him. And due to the low sack numbers this year and a past history of leg injuries, the trade price would probably be less than a lot of other bigger-name players mentioned around the league." - Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

• Difficulty of trade: High

After the big Joe Flacco game last Thursday night, who knows if the Bengals will be willing to sell their lone defensive anchor. But if they are willing to listen to offers, the Cowboys should be all over it. Hendrickson remains one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league. He consistently produces for Cincinnati and is a solid run defender, too.

There's no other trade target that would make a bigger impact on the Cowboys than Hendrickson. Acquiring him would likely imply giving up at least a second-round draft pick. Not only that, but competition will be fierce.

"The San Francisco 49ers lost Nick Bosa to a season-ending injury, the Philadelphia Eagles lost Za’Darius Smith to retirement, and the Indianapolis Colts were one of, if not the most aggressive, teams this offseason in trying to trade for the 2024 sack leader." - Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

LB Devin Bush, Cleveland Browns

• Difficulty of trade: Low

Bush is in my opinion the most underrated Cowboys' trade target there is. Even with DeMarvion Overshown targeting a Week 11 return, Dallas needs to upgrade its linebacker room. Bush would cost very little—a Day 3 late pick swap would do it per Browns expert Brandon Little—and he's been a solid run stopper for the Browns. Plus, he hasn't been a liability in coverage.

"A major injury earlier in his career impacted the player he’s become, but this season Bush has proven to be a strong run-stopper with the ability to cover when needed. While not the fastest linebacker, he plays with aggression and physicality and can be a force behind a stout defensive line. Missed tackles happen at times with bad angles but he’s a player you can trust in the middle of the field." - Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland

LB Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

• Difficulty of trade: Very high

I don't see this one happening even if I'd love to. Smith is halfway through a 5-year, $100 million contract. The Ravens like him and would probably request a hefty compensation package starting with a second-round draft pick. That's a perfect combination to drive Jerry Jones away.

But Smith is returning from a hamstring injury and if the 1-5 Ravens keep losing, they could be sellers.

S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins

• Difficulty of trade: Medium

The Dolphins are likely to enter fire sale mode very soon. Could that include the safety they just traded for earlier in the year? Fitzpatrick will be owed over $15 million in 2026 but for the right price, it would make a lot of sense for Dallas to upgrade at safety. Free safety Malik Hooker is on Injured Reserve and Donovan Wilson—though one of the team's best tacklers—is a liability in coverage.

Fitzpatrick is a versatile DB who can play up high or in the box. He makes sense for Eberflus, who wants to ask a lot from his safeties in coverage.

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