As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for a pivotal Week 4 showdown against the Houston Texans on September 30, 2026, the team finds itself in a defensive bind that could define its season. Injuries have ravaged the secondary, leaving a once-promising unit gashed and gasping for depth. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Cowboys are now without eight defensive contributors, with over half of those losses coming in the defensive backfield. The latest blows—safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring, IR), defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard (calf), and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (knee)—have forced the front office to explore urgent reinforcements.
The Walking Wounded: A Secondary in Shambles
The injury report reads like a horror novel for defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring) and cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) are out multiple weeks. Safeties P.J. Locke (foot, IR) and Malik Hooker (forearm) are sidelined, while linebacker Marist Liufau (hand, IR) adds to the misery. That’s eight players who were expected to play significant roles, now reduced to spectators. The Cowboys’ depth at safety and cornerback is razor-thin, and opposing quarterbacks are licking their chops.
Dallas briefly entertained a blockbuster move for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but as Vulius NFL Analysis Desk reported, the price tag—both in draft capital and a looming extension—was deemed too steep. Instead, the Cowboys are wisely pivoting to cost-effective alternatives that won’t mortgage the future. Here are three trade targets who could stabilize the ship without sinking the salary cap.
CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Denver Broncos
Buried on Denver’s depth chart, Abrams-Draine has flashed starting-caliber ability in limited opportunities. The 2024 fifth-round pick has just three starts in two years, but his rookie contract runs through next season, making him an attractive bargain. A future Day 3 pick might be enough to pry him loose. For a Cowboys team desperate for warm bodies at corner, Abrams-Draine offers immediate depth with upside.
CB Nahshon Wright, New York Jets
A reunion with Wright makes too much sense. Drafted by Dallas in the third round in 2021, Wright was traded to Minnesota in 2024 before a Pro Bowl campaign with the Bears in 2025 (five interceptions). Now with the Jets on a one-year, $5.5 million deal, he’s been a healthy scratch. The Cowboys could acquire him for a late-round pick, and his familiarity with the organization could ease the transition. Wright’s ball skills would be a welcome addition to a depleted corner room.
S Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons
The crown jewel of this list, Bates is a perennial ball-hawk and one of the league’s premier safeties. Rumors swirl that Atlanta could move him, and Bleacher Report values him at a future fourth-round pick. While he’d be the priciest acquisition, Bates’ experience and instincts would make him the most plug-and-play option. His ability to quickly grasp Christian Parker’s scheme could be the difference between a playoff push and a defensive collapse.
“You can’t replace eight guys overnight, but you can find smart, affordable pieces that fit your system,” a league source told Vulius Sports. “The Cowboys are exploring every avenue.”
As the Cowboys gear up for a grueling stretch, the next few days could shape their season. Whether they land one of these targets or stand pat, the pressure is on Jerry Jones and his staff to act decisively. For die-hard fans, the message is clear: the defense needs help, and it needs it now. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest trade buzz and in-depth analysis.
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