The Dallas Cowboys, a team with a rich history and high expectations each year, are once again facing the looming question of how to approach their offseason. As the team looks to make a push for future championships, one former NFL player has stirred the pot by suggesting that the Cowboys should seriously consider trading a key star player this offseason. This controversial recommendation has sent ripples through the fanbase and sports media, with many questioning whether such a move could benefit or hurt the franchise’s long-term prospects.
In recent years, the Cowboys have remained competitive in the NFC, consistently making playoff appearances but falling short of securing a Super Bowl title. Despite having a talented roster, the team has often struggled to make the deep playoff runs that fans and analysts alike have expected. With a high-profile quarterback in Dak Prescott, elite defensive players like Micah Parsons, and one of the most dynamic wide receivers in CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys appear to have the pieces in place to contend. However, the question remains: Is this current roster the one that will lead them to glory, or is it time for some significant changes?
The former NFL player, whose identity has sparked plenty of debate, suggests that the Cowboys should consider trading a “key star” this offseason. While he stopped short of naming the player directly, there are several logical candidates that could fit the description, with the most likely being a high-profile player who has been both a cornerstone and a potential roadblock to the Cowboys’ success.
The rationale behind trading a star player is often rooted in the idea of long-term roster flexibility, financial flexibility, and a desire to shake things up to create a more balanced, cohesive team. While the Cowboys have many talented individuals, it’s possible that a particular player’s skill set or contract might no longer align with the team’s evolving needs.
One of the key reasons why teams trade stars is to address the salary cap. The NFL’s salary cap forces teams to be strategic about how they allocate money, and sometimes keeping an aging or expensive player doesn’t make sense if the team’s future is at risk. In addition, a trade could help a team stockpile draft picks or acquire key players in positions of greater need, whether that’s on the offensive line, in the secondary, or even at running back, depending on the direction the Cowboys want to go.
There are several high-profile players on the Cowboys’ roster who could be considered for a trade, each with their own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Ezekiel Elliott, once one of the league’s most dominant running backs, has seen a decline in his production in recent seasons. Despite having a solid 2023 campaign, the writing may be on the wall for Elliott, who carries a large cap hit for the Cowboys. With Tony Pollard emerging as a capable lead back, trading Elliott could free up significant salary cap space that could be used to reinforce other areas of the team. The Cowboys could also use those financial resources to extend key players or sign new talent that better fits their current offensive system.
While Elliott still provides value as a short-yardage back and in pass protection, his overall effectiveness as a workhorse back has diminished. With the NFL trending more toward a committee approach in the backfield, trading Elliott for draft picks or another established player could help the Cowboys reshape their roster for future success.
Although Cooper has been one of the Cowboys’ most reliable receiving threats, there are factors that could make trading him a viable option. One of the main concerns is his contract, which is among the highest in the league for a wide receiver. With CeeDee Lamb emerging as the No. 1 target, and the Cowboys having several young receivers behind him, there might be a case to be made that the team could get significant value for Cooper while freeing up cap space for other needs.
Additionally, the team could potentially shift toward a more balanced offensive approach, relying more on the run game and defense, with Lamb as the focal point of the passing attack. If the Cowboys can trade Cooper and get back high draft picks or a solid player in a different position, it could accelerate the team’s long-term plans.
DeMarcus Lawrence has been a leader on the Cowboys’ defensive line for years, but his contract, age, and production have led to some questions about his future with the team. While still a formidable pass rusher, Lawrence’s play has been inconsistent, and with the Cowboys’ defense becoming younger and more dynamic (thanks to stars like Micah Parsons), it may be time for the Cowboys to move on from Lawrence and get younger on the defensive front.
Trading Lawrence would also create significant cap savings, which could be reinvested in building a more complete team. The Cowboys might look to use that space to re-sign key defensive players like Parsons, or to add new talent in areas like cornerback or linebacker.
This is perhaps the most controversial suggestion of all. Dak Prescott, though an elite quarterback, has struggled with turnovers in key moments, and some critics believe the Cowboys may never be able to reach a Super Bowl with him under center. If the Cowboys were to trade Prescott, it would be a monumental move, as he is the face of the franchise and still a top-tier quarterback in the NFL.
However, some might argue that the Cowboys’ window with Prescott could be closing. With his contract set to rise and the Cowboys potentially having to make tough decisions in the coming years, trading him for a high return could allow the team to rebuild in a more strategic way, either by bringing in a new quarterback or focusing on the surrounding talent.
While trading a star player could potentially help the Cowboys in the long run, it’s not without risks. For one, trading a proven commodity for future picks or unproven players comes with inherent uncertainty. The NFL draft is an unpredictable process, and there’s no guarantee that any incoming players will develop into the kind of impact players the Cowboys need.
Moreover, trading a star can also have a negative impact on team morale. Star players often serve as locker room leaders, and their departure could create a ripple effect that affects the team’s chemistry. Additionally, Cowboys fans are famously passionate, and trading a beloved player can alienate portions of the fanbase who feel strongly about the team’s current roster.
The suggestion that the Dallas Cowboys should trade a key star player this offseason is a bold one. It’s a proposal that’s sure to generate debate among fans and analysts alike. While the Cowboys have a talented roster, there are certainly areas where the team could improve, whether it’s through a more balanced approach to the salary cap, injecting youth into key positions, or shifting the balance of power from one part of the roster to another.
The truth is, the Cowboys’ Super Bowl window could be closing quickly, and major decisions need to be made. Trading a key player might be one way to unlock the potential of the future, but it’s a gamble that will require careful consideration, strategic planning, and an understanding of the risks involved. If the Cowboys want to take that next step, they may have to make some tough decisions in the offseason, even if that means saying goodbye to a familiar face