The Dallas Cowboys, who were recently projected to acquire the maximum four compensatory picks for the upcoming season, could have an abundance of draft picks in 2025.
They could decide to locate some immediate assistance for this coming season, or they could decide to keep that extra draft cash in reserve for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Even with the eight rookies they added through the 2024 NFL Draft, there are still a number of areas that the Cowboys should be investigating. There are still players who can assist them through trades, waiver wire transactions, or free agency. We’re going to examine the latter today in the hopes of making some trade addition home runs.
DT Siaki Ika, Cleveland Browns
Following his selection in the third round (98th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Siaki Ika might already be searching for a new team to play for in 2024. Following the drafts of Michael Hall Jr. and Jowon Briggs, the Browns have a glut of defensive tackles at the position right now. Siaki may be forced off the roster by either of these guys, particularly considering how little defensive snaps (9.42%) he played in the previous campaign.
Ika, at 6’3″, 335 pounds, fits Mike Zimmer’s preferred big-bodied, space-eating profile along the defensive interior. If he were paired with Dallas’ 2023 first-round selection, Mazi Smith, the Cowboys’ run defense would improve right away and receive much-needed muscle on the defensive line. Through the loss of one of their four anticipated compensatory selections for the upcoming season, this transaction may assist address and resolve a serious roster issue at defensive tackle.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks
The Tennessee Titans selected Treylon Burks with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping that Burks would help replace A.J. Brown, who they had just traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Unfortunately, injuries have limited his playing time to just 22 games over the course of the last two seasons. In those 22 games, he has only managed to register 49 receptions for 665 yards and one score. He can be moving via trade as a possible bust.
Following CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks at WR3, the Cowboys are looking for an upgrade. If Burks can get past his chronic injuries, he may be very effective in that capacity. It would be beneficial for him to have a change of scenery, and he would be better able to overcome his reputation as a “bust” if he were to play quarterback with Dak Prescott.
Both the Cowboys and the former Arkansas wide receiver stand to gain from this transaction.
RB Jonathan Mingo and WR Miles Sanders
The Carolina Panthers picked RB Jonathan Brooks and WR Xavier Legette in the 2024 NFL Draft, potentially selecting RB Miles Sanders and WR Jonathan Mingo as their replacements. Despite recently being signed as a free agent, Sanders was already the Panthers’ top running back last season after being replaced by Chuba Hubbard, and Mingo hasn’t shown much since being selected 39th overall in the second round of the 2023 selection.
Should either player be acquired through trade, he might be able to assist the Cowboys. Without a doubt, Sanders would improve Dallas’ RB situation, and Mingo would compete for the WR rotation.
Dallas would need to find a means to pay for Sanders’ high price, but it is manageable. Mingo’s rookie contract has three years left on it. Once more, losing some of the compensatory selections for next year might assist acquire either player.
