The Dallas Cowboys sending the Oakland Raiders a first-round draft pick in exchange for Wide Receiver Amari Cooper is proof they believe they can compete for not only a division title, but a playoff berth. If that is indeed their current mindset, I think they should go from buyers to sellers and consider trading away Allen Hurns.
I know it sounds a little crazy to consider trading away a player who was the Cowboys big free-agent signing during the offseason, but it's a little difficult to see where Allen Hurns fits now with Amari Cooper in the mix. He's probably no better than forth on the depth chart and has very little chance of climbing any further.
Amari Cooper and Cole Beasley will likely be Quarterback Dak Prescott's top targets in the passing game and rookie WR Michael Gallup definitely deserves more looks his way as well. That just doesn't leave a lot of room for Hurns on offense.
It may be time to chalk this up to what it is, a bad signing. The Cowboys have had their fair share of those in the past, but there's still a chance they could turn this in their favor by exploring the trade market and find a suitor for Allen Hurns before the trade deadline October 30th. I believe there are a few teams out there who would be interested in acquiring his services.
Realistically, I think the Cowboys could expect to get a mid-round pick for Hurns. Those mid-round picks could come in handy next year in the draft, especially with no first-rounder. They could be packaged to move up into the second or third rounds to go after players they truly covet.
Now, I'm not just trying to trade away Allen Hurns for the heck of it. He just doesn't really have a role with this team any longer after Cooper's arrival. The Cowboys could dump his two-year $11 million contract and use his roster spot to recall WR Noah Brown from Injured Reserve.
Noah Brown is someone who I believe offers a little bit more than Hurns as the Cowboys forth wide receiver. He would likely be just as productive in the passing game, but also provides added value as a blocker. I think his addition to the offense would make them more flexible.
This of course is all speculation, but I do believe it's something the Dallas Cowboys should seriously consider. Allen Hurns no longer has a defined role moving forward and is holding onto a roster spot that could go to Noah Brown, a player who could be just as productive. Sounds like a win-win to me.
It may sound a little heartless to make such a move, but it's important to remember it is a business.
