On Thursday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys did something that even team legend Michal Irvin said would never happen , and they traded top star Micah Parsons . The deal sending him to the Green Bay Packers has shocked the NFL. Especially because most analysts feel the Pack were the clear winners in the deal.
However, owner and general manager Jerry Jones is high on the two draft picks they got back in the deal and what it means for the franchise in the long and short term. "[It] not only gives us four first-round picks over the next two years, but it also, nothing says we can't use some of those picks right now to go get somebody. Don't rule that out," he told the media after the trade.
But who could the Cowboys target in the next six to eight months? We look at six big-name talents Jones could have on his wishlist.
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The Cowboys have needed a game breaker out of the backfield for several years. The team got good seasons from players like Rico Dowdle and Tony Pollard , but was unable to retain them for financial reasons. Now with a lot of cap space and draft assets, why not go big and get a true gamebreaker for Dak Prescott out of the backfield?
Indianapolis Colts great Jonathan Taylor should be an option. The team would love to hold on to Taylor, but if Dallas overpays with a pair of first-rounders for the two-time Pro Bowler, can the Colts really pass in a time where running back value is at a low?
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The San Francisco 49ers ' cap issues are well-documented, and they are not going away any time soon. It limits the moves they can make, and that was the case this offseason. Sooner or later, they will have to slash more payroll for long-term progress. George Kittle is one of their highest-paid among their oldest. He is a legend in the city, but not every player gets to finish their career at the same time.
If the 49ers get an offer of a first-round pick for the tight end, they must consider it. Especially since it gets his money off the books. For the Boys, they get their best TE target since the days of Jason Witten .
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There have been rumblings for the last few years about the Cleveland Browns trading top star Myles Garrett. However, he and the team quieted those doubts when they gave him a $160 million extension earlier this year. While it is very unlikely, Jones could make Cleveland an offer that they can't refuse. If Dallas comes with a deal that brings all four of those aforementioned first-round picks, the Browns will have to consider it. Especially if the six-time Pro Bowler was part of another awful season.
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It feels like Alvin Kamara's days with the New Orleans Saints are numbered. With his off-field issues and statistical decline, they would be better off moving him if offered value draft assets. While the five-time Pro Bowler has had some off-seasons recently, in Dallas, he would be far better used and be a huge addition to the offense, potentially before the trade deadline in the fall.
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The New York Giants making a trade with the Dallas Cowboys ? The G-Men could be improved in 2025 due to what could be one of the best pass rushes in the league. However, they are not close to winning a title or making the playoffs. That is why they should consider moving Brian Burns this year if Abdul Carter quickly evolves into a star. If it gets them draft assets and frees up a bunch of cap space, it is in their best interest — even in a trade with a top rival. For Dallas, Burns would go a long way in filling the sack void left by Parsons' departure.
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The Cowboys are probably one more big weapon on offense away from being the best in the league. Prescott is back healthy, and he has a pair of game-breaker targets in the pass game. If they can't get a high impact back, going after a star tight end is possible. And Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride could be an option. The Pro Bowler is just entering his prime and could be a key part of the offense for years to come. Giving up a pair of second-rounders for him before the deadline might be worth it because of his potential long-term.
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