I know, I know... The Dallas Cowboys were never planning to go all in during the 2024 NFL offseason despite Jerry Jones' claims at the Senior Bowl back in January.
Instead, they themselves have said they expect QB Dak Prescott to do "more with less" and have described this year as an opportunity to financially reset while they try to get three contract extensions done with Dak, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.
But if they want to take a significant move to get better that could land them a serious fix at a weak position on the roster for a relatively cheap price, they should get serious and dance with the devil: I'm talking about pulling off a trade with the NFC East rival Washington Commanders.
Why would the team trade with the Dan Quinn-led Commanders? It's simple, really. Because it makes sense.
If the Cowboys are going to make an impact addition, it's not going to be through free agency, no matter what the position they're thinking about is. But after admitting post-draft that they could still make a trade to improve the team, I can't help but think Washington makes sense after the way the 2024 NFL Draft went.
The Commanders got Jer'Zhan Newton in the second round, considered by many the second best defensive tackle of the class. The 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was expected to go in the first and he could be an impact maker for years to come in Washington.
Newton brings hustle, tenacity, and an explosive pass rush skill set at the 3T position. With the rookie in the fold, the pass rush shouldn't drop off too much whenever Daron Payne or Jonathan Allen need a breather.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see how the Commanders utilize Newton not just in 2024, but moving forward. It's mostly due to the presence of Payne and Allen, but as we've seen lately, interior pressure is a major factor in killing opposing offenses, so a team can't have too many interior pass rushers.
- Evan Winter on the Commanders picking Newton
Although Winter is right in explaining the Commanders could use the extra DL depth, Allen is due $15.5 million in cash for the 2024 season, per Over the Cap, and it could make sense for Washington to get rid of him while adding draft capital as they're not expected to be a contender this year. Keep in mind, they recently signed Daron Payne to a $90 million deal in 2023.
Meanwhile, adding Allen to the roster would be massive for a Cowboys run defense that has no depth at all at defensive tackle behind Osa Odighizuwa (3-technique) and Mazi Smith (nose tackle).
Landing somebody like Allen to be a part of a rotation with Osa would be a game-changing addition and based on his salary, he could cost one or two Day 3 draft picks, something the Cowboys will have no shortage of as they're set to receive multiple comp picks after an underwhelming free agency period.
The Cowboys admitted their defensive front needed to improve in 2024 and while they added a DE in Marshawn Kneeland as well as Eric Kendricks and Marist Liufau at linebacker, defensive tackle might've been the biggest issue all along and they did basically nothing to improve there. Allen would be a statement addition.
For the record, I don't believe the Cowboys would make this move because of the money implications. But it sure would make sense if their intention was to make a splash move that could really raise their level and take a next step, at least defensively speaking.
If they wanted to, they could make it work numbers wise as they could restructure deals or even get Dak's extension done, which would significantly lower his quarterback's cap number for the season.
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