Before the Cowboys were to pull off one of these dark horse trades, I would like to know whose snaps the new guy would be taking.
Dallas can keep adding players, but Christian Parker needs to put them in job they can succeed in, one that fits their strengths. Otherwise, we could just be having another conversation about an underperforming player on this defense.
The arrival of Mike Pettine as a senior defensive consultant gives the Cowboys more experience leading a defense. His expertise is at disguising pressure, and finding players outside the usual Cowboys trade rumors could help execute that pressure.
These next six players are my proposed trade targets, and I have a specific role in mind for each one. The last one could give the Cowboys another option for how they use Caleb Downs.
Josh Uche, EDGE, Dolphins—My First Call for Dark Horse Pass-Rush Help
Josh Uche’s recent pressure production is why he would be my first call.
Miami gives him credit for 23 pressures on 142 pass-rush snaps in Philadelphia last season, which is a 16.2% pressure rate. Currently with the Dolphins, he has 10 pressures on 196 snaps, giving him a 5.1% pressure rate.
If we break that down further, he has 111 pass-rush snaps, that comes out to 9.0%. Not great, but he has the ability to attack from different alignments. Also, Parker was in Philadelphia when his rate was at 16.2%.
I would be interested to see if Dalla can get useful passing-down work from him without paying for an every down rusher. Cutting or trading Von Miller for him would be a good trade-off in my opinion.
How I’d Use Him: Put Uche beside Quinnen Williams. Attack outside one call, counter inside another, then loop him behind Williams. Give the offensive line movement to figure out while keeping enough defenders in coverage.
The Catch: Josh Uche has limited snaps, and there may be a good reason for that snap count. He has surfaced in other trade talks, so I wouldn’t get into a bidding war for a rotation guy.
Baron Browning, OLB, Cardinals—a Familiar Trade Option for Parker
Browning and Parker have a limited relationship, but I like any connection between a coach and a player. Especially when the player could be had in a trade for cheap.
Baron Browning played in Denver during Parker’s time there, and Browning has experience at all linebacker spots. He recorded five sacks in 2022 and 4.5 in 2023, followed by modest production in Arizona.
Parker should know what Browning did well in Denver. I know he’s probably not the same player, but at 27 years old. He has the potential to get back there.
How I’d Use Him: Compete at outside linebacker, I would change his alignment and rush from different spots. His inside linebacker background makes him worth looking at for occasional short-zone assignments when another guy brings pressure.
The Catch: Browning has a career passer rating of 76.6, but in limited opportunities this year he’s been less than adequate. His current run defense, health, and pressure have to justify the move.
Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Saints—Make the Runner Turn Inside
Anfernee Jennings is an inexpensive trade target that intrigues me because he does a job the Dallas staff has said matters: run defense.
Schottenheimer said setting the edge against the run was the first responsibility for the Cowboys’ outside linebackers.
Jennings’ strength is his run defense. He has 27 career tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. I want a player like him who can hold the outside and give teammates a chance to finish the play. There’s a ton of value in that, even if someone else gets credit for the tackle.
How I’d Use Him: I would give him early-down snaps outside, hold the boundary and force runners toward the middle where the big boys are waiting.
The Catch: His value would be against the run. Dallas would need a reason to take someone’s early-down snaps, but shoring up one area of the defense would be a good thing.
Ivan Pace Jr., ILB, Vikings—Pressure From the Middle
Pace has been playing in Minnesota’s pressure packages, and the best thing is, Mike Pettine was on the defensive staff.
I found a play where Pace drove through tight end Cade Otten to share a sack against Tampa Bay. Those are the types of plays I want to see from our players, and he could add that element to the Cowboys defense.
I want a linebacker in the middle an offense has to respect because he can actually beat the protection, and one that would be cheap in a trade.
How I’d Use Him: I would walk him toward a gap beside the center before the snap. Send him on some plays and drop him underneath on others. Make the protection account for him every play while Williams and the outside linebackers attack.
The Catch: He has to execute when he doesn’t blitz. I don’t want Dallas to get fancy, that doesn’t work, and leave an easy completion over the middle. Pettine’s familiarity should help if an evaluation is needed.
Tatum Bethune, ILB, 49ers—Potential Overshown Insurance
A Tatum Bethune trade doesn’t have a connection with either Parker or Pettine. But when Fred Warner went down last season, the 49ers trusted him with MIKE duties. Kyle Shanahan praised his work getting the defense aligned.
I want Dallas to have a linebacker that can read plays and get adjustments set across the defense and this guy has learned from the best in the game.
How I’d Use Him: I would have him split reps with Overshown and possibly start him. Being able to get the defense set and adjusted is a big need for this defense. Overshown’s health is too, and having him take less snaps preserves his health a little bit.
The Catch: Getting him up to speed would be the biggest issue, but I don’t have a problem with that because this whole defense hasn’t got up to speed yet.
Jay Ward, S, Vikings—The Darkest Horst Could Affect Caleb Downs
Jay Ward is an extra name, and the least expensive potential trade in the article. I threw him into the mix because he could help on several fronts and a name I would bring up if I called about Ivan Pace Jr.
Minnesota has him sitting behind Josh Metellus on its depth chart. He played safety, outside corner, and nickel at LSU and entered the NFL while Pettine was on the Vikings’ staff.
I’ve questioned how Dallas has used Caleb Downs, and that brings me to Ward. Could he earn a piece of the underneath and slot work the Cowboys keep giving to Downs?
I think so.
How I’d Use Him: Start with special teams and limited defensive packages. Give him some work underneath and expand the work if he succeeds. If he can handle the slot, Parker has another reason to keep Downs at safety.
The Catch: Jay Ward’s college tape isn’t proof he can cover NFL receivers in that role. This could be a developmental bet, but if we get him cheap, why not? Any benefit to Downs would depend solely on Ward’s ability to contribute.
Josh Uche is my first call for a trade because his recent pressure production supports an immediate passing-down role. What I really like about all these players is not one of them would be expensive to get in a trade and they would supplement this defense.
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