The Dallas Cowboys stand at 3-5 before Tuesday’s trade deadline, entering Week 10 on a three-game losing streak.
Despite their record, which might discourage trade moves, owner Jerry Jones suggested Sunday, after Dallas’ 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, that a trade might still be in play.
Jerry Jones Hints at Possible Cowboys Trade
According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, Jones stated the Cowboys wouldn’t pursue a trade on the scale of the 2018 Amari Cooper deal but hinted that roster improvements could be on the horizon.
“We believe we have a chance to strengthen our roster,” Jones said.
CeeDee Lamb’s Injury Complicates Things
Dallas might seek wide receiver help after CeeDee Lamb sustained an AC joint injury in the Falcons game. ESPN’s Todd Archer reports Lamb will undergo an MRI to assess the injury’s severity.
Lamb is crucial to the offense with 45 receptions, 613 yards, and four touchdowns in 2024. While finding an equal replacement is unlikely, Jones suggested they could add depth to support the receiver corps amid Lamb’s absence.
Even before Lamb’s injury, the Cowboys’ receiver lineup was thin. Jalen Tolbert is the WR2 with 334 yards and two touchdowns, while KaVontae Turpin has 145 yards, ranking third among receivers. These stats are concerning for a team with the league’s worst rushing attack.
Could Adam Thielen Join Dallas?
The Carolina Panthers, standing at 2-7, already traded Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens and have another veteran receiver who might help Dallas.
Adam Thielen, recovering from a hamstring injury, has recorded eight receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown in three games this season. With 656 catches, 7,805 yards, and 60 touchdowns in his 11-year career, Thielen had over 1,000 receiving yards in 2023 and could be a valuable target for quarterback Dak Prescott.
According to Over the Cap, the Cowboys have $20 million in remaining cap space, allowing them to take on Thielen’s $25 million contract from his 2023 three-year deal.
Cowboys’ “All-In” Promise on Playoff Push
To fulfill Jones’ 2024 “all-in” pledge to fans, the Cowboys need external reinforcements to boost their playoff chances. Their next games are challenging matchups against the 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles, 6-3 Houston Texans, and 7-2 Washington Commanders.
Trading a Day 3 pick to the Panthers for Thielen could help keep Dallas in the playoff hunt into Thanksgiving.
