Why Dallas Cowboys missing out on WR Zay Jones might just lead to a trade

After the Dallas Cowboys hosted WR Zay Jones on a free agent visit earlier in the week, the potential move won't come to fruition as the former second round draft pick will be signing with the Arizona Cardinals, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Besides the Cowboys, Jones had visited the Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs. As soon as Jones left Dallas, it appeared like the front office might be looking at a bidding war, which they tend to walk away from every time.

As we await contract details, the Cardinals' wide receiver room might've played a big role in the veteran's decision as he has a chance to crack into the starting lineup with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, whereas with the Cowboys he was likely going to be an insurance policy in case WR3 Jalen Tolbert didn't progress.

Speaking of, the Cowboys' interest in Jones clearly implied they were in the market for some depth and experience in case things go wrong with a wide receiver core that is very lacking in experience behind starters CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.

Unfortunately, Jones was one of very few options in a market that provides no clear-cut answers for their need. PFF's top WR free agents include:

• Michael Thomas (health concerns, not as speedy as before)
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling (inconsistent results as a starter in GB and KC, couldn't earn bigger role in thin Chiefs' WR room)
• Hunter Renfrow (role player, has 23 starts in 73 games played) 

Could the Cowboys trade for a wide receiver? 

With such a thin and uninspiring free agency pool of wideouts, the Cowboys' best path moving forward if they want to land a wide receiver could be the trade market.

The Cowboys are set to receive many comp picks in 2025 after losing several starters in free agency, which should give them enough ammunition to be comfortable with a low-cost trade like the ones they executed last year.

Chances are though, Dallas wouldn't look into the big names like Courtland Sutton or Brandon Aiyuk, who are undergoing contract turmoil with their own franchises. Not only would they be costlier but the Cowboys are already dealing with enough contract drama as they have yet to extend Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, or Micah Parsons. 

But what about a low-profile move like Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers? A player like that wouldn't cost much more than a Day 3 pick and would give Dallas some depth and experience.

Otherwise, the Cowboys will enter the 2024 NFL season with a strong starting duo in Lamb and Cooks but with some question marks starting at WR3 as Tolbert has only 24 career catches two years into his career.