The Dallas Cowboys are in need of more draft capital, but would they trade away any of their veterans to achieve it? Things are expected to get wild during the 2024 draft. A large number of first-round grades and a large QB class could lead to front offices having draft-trade fever.
Will Dallas get involved? Here’s a look at a handful of players they may be willing to part with if the offer is right. More than likely, the Cowboys would be involved in capital for capital; giving up picks to move back and acquire more picks, but all bases should be covered at times like these.
The likelihood is low, but things aren’t currently good between the franchise and the franchise QB on the final year of his deal. The two sides aren’t actively talking and the team made clear they aren’t interested in setting the market for the position. Whether they have leverage or not is another story.
The MVP candidate is coming off his best season, is still young in QB years and has a no-trade clause that would allow him to choose his destination. If Prescott is traded, it likely doesn’t happen until after the draft, but he deserves to be included here as a just-in-case.
Prescott is likely to stay and Trey Lance is the planned backup. So that leaves Cooper Rush as a viable backup for a team that takes one of the young QBs. If they are looking for a veteran who can win games and return to the backdrop at a moment’s notice, Rush makes a lot of sense. A team may give up a sixth or seventh rounder after they get their young guy in the first two days.
Another extremely low possibility, but needing to be mentioned to cover all bases. A Parsons trade would likely surpass what the Raiders received for Khalil Mack when they first sent him to Chicago. With two control years remaining on his rookie deal (including the fifth-year option Dallas just applied), Parsons would bring back a phenomenal haul, but that’s only if you believe the talk of people within the org being disgruntled actually having some weight with decision making.
He’s been a fixture with the organization for almost an entire decade, but there’s probably a team that would love to inject him into their defensive line, even as a one-year rental. Lawrence is a premiere edge defender with plus pass-rush ability.
Dallas would save $10 million in cash and $2.5 million in cap space this year, and clear all dead money from 2025 if they moved off of Lawrence this summer. He could potentially net the club mid-round compensation.
Would the Cowboys really trade away the player they convinced to be in the legendary lineage of the No. 88 jersey? Probably not, but then again they seem to be in the midst of a battle with Lamb’s agency, who also is trying to get big money for Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk.
Add this to the pile of Prescott and Parsons in moves that aren’t likely going to happen this draft, but have to be mentioned to cover all fronts.
These players mostly have a level of star power, but what about down roster guys? These players may not be seen as having much value outside the org, but perhaps the team would do a pick swap if sent one of these guys.
- DE Chauncey Golstron
- TE Peyton Hendershot
- OL Josh Ball