How can the Cowboys actually be buyers at the trade deadline? Especially with the current state of the NFC? I feel like anything but building for the future would only hurt this franchise. At what point does the team accept that the best thing for the current franchise is focusing on its future? – Matthew Vidal/Rapid City, SD
Nick: I think whatever they decide, it will be with the future in mind. If they look to add a piece to the puzzle right now, they won't be trying to part ways with a lot of draft picks. Now, they will get some comp picks - probably the maximum of four - so that will help but I don't see this team giving up too many more - at least now for 2025. Now, the key to this whole deal is the player you're getting in return. I'm all for the Cowboys being "buyers" as long as it's something that can help them this year and beyond. What I'm not OK with is this team "renting" players for right now with nothing in return. Because it's rare that you're going to find a player or two to come right in and fix the problem. But I think the Cowboys will see it as - we're getting guys like Bland, Parsons, Cooks, Tank back at some point soon and CeeDee should be fine this week. Maybe you add a player or two and you can turn things around. It's still a long shot but I think the Cowboys are at least looking at all options. That doesn't mean they're going to make the most sense.
Kurt: I agree with you. Given the Cowboys are already at least three games out of the top two spots in the NFC East, sit 13th overall in the conference and have now lost their starting quarterback for a significant amount of time, any trade that's made should be done with 2025 in mind. Since the NFL went to 16 games in 1978, Dallas has started 3-5 a total of six times, and only once has it gone on to make the playoffs – in 2018 when Amari Cooper was acquired. But that 2018 club also had a defense and a running game that both ranked among the top 10. Conversely, this year's team isn't one or two players away from being a contender, so there's no point in mortgaging the future in a last-ditch effort to grasp unlikely success now. Meaning, if anything, the Cowboys should be sellers. If a contender comes calling needing depth or veteran leadership, why not make a deal? Heck, if they want to load up the Brinks truck for an established star, doesn't hurt to listen. At this point, the Cowboys need to think about picking up more draft picks or young players who can help them next season and beyond. The rebuild starts now. As Jerry Jones said, it will take two to tango, but the phone lines should be open, and all offers considered – no matter the player.
