Are the Cowboys a trade destination for Bears LB Roquan Smith?

Sports Illustrated NFL insiders Albert Breer and Matt Lombardo mentioned the Dallas Cowboys as a possible trade destination for Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who recently told NFL Network he wanted to be traded. 

“Unfortunately, the new front office regime doesn’t value me here,” said Smith.

“… [The Bears] have left me no choice other than to request a trade that allows me to play for an organization that truly values what I bring to the table.” 

Smith said he doesn’t see both sides coming to a compromise anytime soon.  

Smith is a former first-round pick out of Georgia. The four-year veteran earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2021. Only 25, he is beginning to hit his prime.

Acquiring Smith in trade is a tantalizing idea for Dallas. The unit is stacked with linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive back Trevon Diggs and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and Dallas had the league's seventh best-defense last season. Smith could vault the Cowboys into the top five, but where would he fit?

The Cowboys run the same defense as Chicago, with solid starters at linebacker in Anthony Barr (outside), Leighton Vander Esch (middle) and Parsons (outside). Therefore, someone would have to move, either via trade or by reorganizing personnel. 

One possibility is using Parsons more as an edge rusher, as Dallas did last season when he registered 13 sacks as a rookie. This could also mitigate the loss of pass rusher Randy Gregory, who joined the Denver Broncos during free agency.

This doesn't answer the question where to move Barr and Vander Esch. It’s unlikely the Cowboys would reposition Barr, who signed a one-year deal this offseason. Vander Esch, a former Pro Bowler, could be a trade candidate. He split time last season with backup Jabril Cox. Vander Esch was signed to a one-year contract in the offseason.

With the Raiders, Broncos and Seahawks in need of an inside linebacker, a competitive trade market could result for Smith.