Cowboys EDGE trade targets are worth digging into before Dallas decides on another expensive veteran or a blockbuster deal is the only way to add to the defense.
We have watched the Cowboys put a lot into this side of the ball throughout the offseason. So I don’t know if I’m totally sold on Dallas throwing another first-round pick into a trade just because a pass rusher might be available.
Would Maxx Crosby, Josh Sweat, or TJ Watt be nice, absolutely, but why not look for a young guy who hasn’t gotten paid yet? I know this team is always Super Bowl or bust and a big name would be nice, but we may have to pump those brakes.
I have found former first-round EDGE rushers still sitting on rookie deals around the NFL, and a few of them make a lot of sense in a trade for what Christian Parker is building.
We have learned his defense isn’t going to sit in one front all game. So if Dallas needs to add somebody outside, give me a guy Christian Parker can move around instead of a player who only works if everything around him stays the same.
I found five that would be worth checking in on. A couple of them I’d chase, while some I’d as about and probably move on pretty fast.
Will McDonald IV is the First Call
The Jets took him 15th overall in 2023, and New York picked up his fifth-year option for 2027, and he has 21.5 sacks through three seasons.
I don’t think we would have to take long to talk ourselves into this one.
Will McDonald has shown he can get to quarterbacks in the NFL. We don’t have to dig through old scouting reports to figure this out, but I think he has another level to his game that is untapped.
At 6’4” and 245 pounds, he fits what Parker wants. Stand him up, put his hand in the dirt, just move him around and let him get after the quarterback.
There is also the trade history between these two teams.
Dallas and New York have already made the Quinnen Williams trade. That wasn’t just two teams flipping late-round picks, it was a major trade that went down.
So I know the two front offices can sit down and get something done here, but the Jets won’t just give him away. There is also the fact that New York picked up his fifth-year option because they still see value in him.
A young pass rusher with production and two years’ control isn’t getting moved for a fourth, and they just drafted a young pass rusher.
I’ve got his tradability at 6/10 and the Cowboys fit at 9/10. I think I would offer a second-round pick and see what they say.
Probably more of a mid-season trade target, but a man can dream.
That would be enough for me, but I would consider a first for him because he is young and controllable in Dak’s prime.
Lukas Van Ness is the Buy-Low Swing
Van Ness is a young player I like as a trade target, and his price tag should be lower than the others on this list.
The Green Bay Packers took him 13th overall in 2023 and picked up his fifth-year option for 2027. The thing is, the production hasn’t matched the draft slot. That’s not great for the Packers, but could be for Dallas.
Lukas Van Ness is 6’5”, 272 pounds and gives Christian Parker a different body type to work with on the edge. He can put his hand in the dirt, stand up, and play on the defensive line. I think he has enough position flex to be moved around to not tip Dallas’ hand on defense.
Here’s another trade connection too.
Dallas sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. Then the Packers sent Rashan Gary to Dallas for a 2027 fourth. At this point, these two teams aren’t afraid to do business together.
If Green Bay still sees Van Ness as a part of the long-term plans, then that would be the end of the conversation. But let’s imagine they are willing to move him and his 8.5 sacks before that option year kicks in. I’d rather buy before the breakout than after it.
For me, he’s a 7/10 on tradability and an 8.5/10 fit.
I would start with a 2027 third-round pick. If they want a second, I’m out.
Darius Robinson is the Coaching Staff Bet
Arizona took Darius Robinson 27th overall in 2024, and the production hasn’t been enough for me to treat him like a proven player. This would be a bet on Parker and the defensive staff.
At around 285 pounds, Robinson can still give Dallas some position flex. He can play that heavy edge role or slide inside on pass rushing downs and let Parker change the front without swapping personnel.
What I think is nice is Darius Robinson comes from the 2024 draft class, so Dallas would inherit the fifth-year option decision.
There is a little bit of trade history here. Dallas made a trade with Arizona in the 2025 draft to get Shemar James.
I’d put Darius Robinson at 6.5/10 for tradability and 8/10 for fit.
My ceiling would be a fourth-round pick. If Arizona wanted more, I would hang up, but this is a trade target to keep an eye on.
Dallas Turner is Probably Too Expensive
Dallas Turner might be the cleanest fit for this defense.
Minnesota took him 17th overall in 2024, and his ability started to show up in year two. The speed and athleticism fit Parker’s defense perfectly.
The Cowboys and Vikings have traded before, but Minnesota has almost no reason to move him. Turner is young, cheap, and developing quickly.
I’ve got the fit at 9.5/10 and tradability at 3/10.
I would give up a first-round pick for this trade taget. He would instantly upgrade this defense and give Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence a young player to grow with.
Chop Robinson Is Worth a Call
Miami took Chop 21st overall in 2024, and I think he’s shown enough that I doubt the Dolphins would move him.
I would still ask, all they can say is no, right?
At around 250 pounds, he has the explosion and size to fit outside in Parker’s defense.
Dallas and Miami also just worked together during the 2026 draft in the Caleb Downs trade, so the front offices know each other.
Robinson is only 23, still cheap and could be controlled through 2028 with the fifth-year option.
I think a 5/10 on tradability and 9/10 on fit.
I think a second-round pick would do it, but a first may be on the table.
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