The Dallas Cowboys don't have the best track record when it comes to wheeling and dealing on the trade market. Quite honestly, they have been pretty terrible when acquiring players via trade. Joey Galloway and Roy Williams immediately come to mind, but that shouldn't stop them from entering trade discussions.
Now, I know that any kind of trades in the NFL are pretty rare, but the Cowboys have quite a bit of draft equity to explore different possibilities. I know Earl Thomas immediately comes to mind and would be a great addition to the Cowboys secondary. But, I'm actually thinking of a different defensive player who could even have more of an impact.
I think the Dallas Cowboys should seriously consider contacting the Houston Texans to find out what it would take to make a trade for their talented defensive end Whitney Mercilus.
Whitney Mercilus isn't a household name by any means, but he is someone that could immediately upgrade the Dallas Cowboys defense. Living in the Houston Texans market, I know firsthand what kind of player the Cowboys would be acquiring.
If not for J.J. Watt's off the field work in the Houston community, Whitney Mercilus' WithMerci Foundation would gain much more attention. He is extremely active within the community, which means the Cowboys would be getting not only a talented player, but a standup guy without any character issues.
But, I'm sure you don't really care too much about Whitney's work off the field. You want to know how he would help the Dallas Cowboys defense and the type of player he is on the field.
Well, over the last six seasons, which includes an injury shortened season last year due to a torn pectoral muscle, Mercilus has accumulated 44.5 quarterback sacks (six in the playoffs), 168 solo tackles, 80 assist, and has forced and recovered seven fumbles. The Dallas Cowboys would've loved to have had that kind of production at any point over the last six years.
But, as always, this comes down to compensation. The Houston Texans would probably be looking for at least a third round draft pick, possibly a second, and/or a starting caliber offensive lineman.
We all know that the Dallas Cowboys aren't going to part with one of their offensive lineman, but with 10 draft picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, they could be willing to go that direction. I would personally be willing to go as high as a second rounder. The Texans might even accept a mid-round draft pick if the Cowboys threw in Chaz Green.
Chaz Green is talented enough to start in the NFL, but has had a run of bad luck with injuries during his tenure in Dallas. Believe it or not, he would probably be an upgrade for the Texans if he could tap into his potential finally.
Whitney Mercilus is better than any pass rusher the Cowboys could select in the second round. And, at just 27, he is still in the prime of his career and has a very favorable contract.
Mercilus has just two years and $11.2 million remaining on his contract extension he signed with the Texans a few seasons ago. That fits into the Dallas Cowboys “bargain shopping” mentality, especially for someone of his caliber.
I for one would love to see this trade go down. He would make a perfect complement playing opposite DeMarcus Lawrence, and as luck would have it, there could be a #59 jersey available if Anthony Hitchens departs via free agency.
