As the NFL preseason concludes and teams across the league scramble to finalize their 53-man rosters, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture. With the August 29, 2026 cutdown deadline approaching, the front office must make tough decisions, but they also have an opportunity to bolster their squad through trades. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Cowboys are expected to be active in the trade market, targeting players who could be casualties of roster numbers elsewhere. Here are five potential trade targets that could significantly improve Dallas's depth and overall competitiveness.
Offensive Line: A Pressing Need
The Cowboys' offensive tackle situation is arguably their most glaring weakness. With Nate Thomas struggling and little depth behind him, upgrading the swing tackle spot is a priority. One name that stands out is Blake Fisher of the Houston Texans. Fisher, a 2024 second-round pick, has shown promise with 15 starts in two seasons but has been outperformed in Houston's training camp. At just 23, he offers youth and affordability with two years left on his rookie deal. Acquiring him would provide Dallas with a reliable backup and potential future starter, addressing a critical need without breaking the bank.
Depth at Center and Guard
Behind starter Cooper Beebe, the Cowboys' interior offensive line depth is concerning. T.J. Bass has limited snapping experience, and the team lost Brock Hoffman in free agency. Sedrick Van Pran-Granger of the Buffalo Bills could be a perfect solution. A 2024 fifth-round pick, Van Pran-Granger lost the backup center job to Lloyd Cushenberry and might be expendable. His skill set fits well in Klayton Adams' zone/gap blocking scheme, and he could immediately step in as a dependable backup at both guard and center, adding much-needed versatility.
Reinforcing the Defensive Line
The Cowboys' starting defensive tackles—Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Otito Ogbonnia—form an impressive trio, but depth behind them is thin. DeWayne Carter of the Buffalo Bills is an intriguing option. A 2024 third-round pick, Carter missed his entire rookie year due to injury and now finds himself on the outside looking in under Jim Leonhard's scheme. His youth and upside make him a low-risk, high-reward trade target. While Dallas might prefer a seasoned veteran, Carter's potential could prove invaluable as the season progresses.
Linebacker and Running Back Upgrades
At linebacker, the Cowboys have improved with DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, and Jaishawn Barham, but adding another young talent like Junior Colston of the Los Angeles Chargers could solidify the unit. Colston, a 2024 third-round pick, is buried on the Chargers' depth chart and could thrive in Dallas's defensive scheme. Similarly, at running back, Kaleb Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a name to watch. The Cowboys showed interest in him pre-draft, and he's struggled to find a role in Pittsburgh. With Javonte Williams as the starter and limited depth behind him, Johnson could push Malik Davis for the backup job, providing insurance if Williams misses time.
As the Cowboys finalize their roster, these five players represent strategic opportunities to address weaknesses without sacrificing future assets. The trade market is unpredictable, but Dallas's front office has shown a willingness to be aggressive. Whether they pull the trigger on one of these deals remains to be seen, but the potential to improve their Super Bowl chances is clear. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates on all roster moves and analysis.
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