Could a league-altering trade for a superstar player be in the works?
The Dallas Cowboys news has been quiet, making you wonder if something is happening behind the scenes to get the Cowboys some headlines.
Jerry Jones has not made a league-altering move since the Deion Sanders trade in the 90s. Could this be the year Wildcatting Jerry Jones makes his triumphant return?
Speaking of the 1990s, a heated rival from that period could be the perfect trade partner to fill the Cowboys’ major need, which would change the NFL landscape.
Cowboys and 49ers Make a Deal
The San Francisco 49ers are reshaping their team this offseason by trading All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
The decision cost $31.5 million in dead money, while the 49ers receive a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The long-term ramifications will save the 49ers over $15 million.
Would the 49ers make another bold move by moving their superstar, Christian McCaffery? Never say never.
"I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey and I would try to get as much as I could possibly get for him… If you're going to rebuild, rebuild completely." — @Realrclark25 pic.twitter.com/UH31V7ke04
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 12, 2025
Ryan Clark is not the only person who has suggested this trade.
Aaliyan Mohammed of Sporting News threw out this scenario:
The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders this offseason. Both players struggled last season and may not be reliable enough to lead the backfield. Last season, the Cowboys had the sixth least rushing yards in the league and had just three runs of over 20 yards. The Cowboys could target a running back in the draft, but this trade with the San Francisco 49ers could land them one of the best players in the NFL:
- Cowboys receive: running back Christian McCaffrey
- 49ers receive: No.76 overall pick and 2026 third-round pick
The Cowboys could land a superstar running back for a few third-round picks. Sign me up.
Yes, Christian McCaffery is injury-prone, but when healthy he is a game changer, much like Saquon Barkley, and look how that turned out.
Grant Cohn of San Francisco 49ers SI believes McCaffery could be traded at the trade deadline once the 49ers find out they don’t have the talent to contend.
Where there’s smoke, there is fire in most cases.
The 49ers could be in a re-build and getting rid of an aging player with a big contract could help them along the way.
Getting up to three third-round draft picks for McCaffery and his contract could be beneficial to both sides.
The Cowboys will not find an established talent like Christian McCaffery for a few picks anywhere else in the league or in the draft.
Pull the trigger Jerry and make this happen.
Christian McCaffery Brings Elite Skills
NFL fans and most non-fans know who Christian McCaffery is and what he brings to a team.
The Dallas Cowboys would welcome in a player that can change their entire offense.
The Cowboys have not had a McCaffery-level talent in the backfield since a young Ezekiel Elliott took handoffs.
Last season, Christian McCaffery only had 50 carries before he was finished for the year.
The Cowboys would be taking a major risk, but the reward could be greater.
Happy 28th birthday to the best RB in the league, Christian McCaffery🎉
Here's 8 mins of CMC #49ers highlights to celebrate🤝#FTTBpic.twitter.com/P3jFEUlYN8
— Niners (@niners_app) June 7, 2024
In 2023, Christian McCaffery had 272 carries, 1,459 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and averaged 5.4 yards a carry.
He also caught 67 of 79 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.
This would be an amazing acquisition for a team that is missing this key position.
The coaching staff also wants to establish the run and what better way than one of the premier running backs in the NFL?
Fans will say the 49ers offensive line was much better than the Cowboys, but the truth is the Cowboys run blocking turned the corner at the end of the season.
The Cowboys had two players, Terence Steele and Tyler Smith, who were graded out by PFF.com above 70%.
The three other players graded lower, but two of the three, Brock Hoffman and Cooper Beebe, graded out above 60%.
Tyler Guyton will see major improvement this year in all aspects of his game.
So, adding a superstar like Christian McCaffery to this unit would not be a terrible drop-off in talent as the San Francisco 49ers offensive line started to show its age.
Overall, this trade is a dream scenario, but if anyone could pull it off it would be Jerry Jones.
This move alone could get the Cowboys back in the Super Bowl contender category.