The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2017 season at 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the sixth time in the last eight seasons. In order to get back to the playoffs, and restore a sense of dominance in the NFC East, the Cowboys roster needs significant upgrading. This will can come through the draft, free agency or trade and there are many possible suitors for their needs. If Dallas is hoping to make a Super Bowl run anytime soon, they need improvement at multiple positions. These are five players that could help out the Cowboys if acquired in the offseason.
5 Dallas Cowboy Offseason Targets
5. Sign Allen Robinson (WR) – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Cowboys struggled last year passing the football. Quarterback Dak Prescott struggled without Ezekiel Elliot and ultimately took a step back from his 2016 rookie of the year campaign. But a lot of his struggles fell on the shoulders of his receivers. Dez Bryant complained about not getting the ball enough but continued to drop the ball. He is paid a lot of money to be a number-one receiver and is not getting the results Cowboys management had hoped for when he signed a 5 year(s)/70 million dollar deal in 2014. Allen Robinson had an ACL injury last year, but he’s only 24 years old. The Cowboys could add an explosive outside threat to take some heat off of Dez, and benefit on a “prove it” type contract. Since 2015, Robinson has 153 catches for 2283 yards with 20 touchdowns.
4. Trade for Earl Thomas (FS) – Seattle Seahawks
The Cowboys ended 2017 with a solid rank of 8th in total defense, but they can always use some upgrades. Ultimately, letting Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, J.J Wilcox and Barry Church walk, proved beneficial. With so much veteran talent the young members of the secondary were forced to step up but the problem is a second edge rusher is needed, and Jeff Heath playing safety. Heath was formidable in his first year as a starter, but he’s not Earl Thomas. Thomas, a member of the Legion of Boom, chased down coach Jason Garrett to tell him “Come and get me“. Not to mention, the Cowboys just made former Seahawks DC Kris Richard their DBs coach. If the Cowboys can bring in one of the best safeties in pro football, it could propel their defense to elite status.
3. Trade up and Draft Connor Williams (OT) – Texas
The Cowboys offense was severely hindered this past season with Elliott getting suspended, Prescott underperforming, and looked lost. To pile on top of that, Dallas lost Tyron Smith to a back injury, and could not find a viable backup. Byron Bell and Chaz Green gave up a combined 14+ sacks in the few games they started and do not look like consistent backups. Drafting Connor Williams, a tackle, will provide depth and could also be turned into a guard to make the Cowboys O-line completely first round talents. He can round out a lineup of Smith, himself, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and La’el Collins.
2. Sign & Trade for Dion Jordan (DE) – Seattle Seahawks
The Cowboys defense is already rock solid, but could use help bolstering the pass rush. Dion Jordan is a former third-overall pick from 2013 and played very well for the Hawks this past year. The Cowboys can trade picks for Jordan and put him opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence. This would greatly help the pass rush and make it even more formidable than it already is.
1. Sign & Trade for Kirk Cousins (QB) – Washington Redskins
This is a BIG stretch, but it’s fun to think about. Kirk Cousins is a gunslinger who would benefit from an elite run game much like Tony Romo did. Reduce his chances to make big mistakes, and Cousins is a borderline elite quarterback. The Cowboys can trade their 1st round pick, 3rd round pick and Cooper Rush to the Redskins for Cousins and a 4th rounder. This could also benefit Bryant, Brice Butler and Cole Beasley as well. This would make waves across the league, and show the rest of the NFL, the Cowboys are all in. We all know Jerry loves to make waves.
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