Jerry Jones generates Cowboys trade rumors after radio interview

The Dallas Cowboys trade market has been uncharacteristically hot recently, and last night, Jerry Jones hinted at even more moves on the interior defensive line. Basically, the fans’ introduction to the Jordan Phillips trade might be old news by the start of the year.

Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones noted that there will be chances towards the end of training camp to trade with teams for additional defensive line support.

https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1824985387867181337

Dallas’ weakness on the interior d-line has been well documented, and as good a pickup as I feel Phillips is, he is not the kind of player that automatically fixes an issue. He is more of a supplemental player.

So, as Jones alludes to here, they should still be in the trade market for more help as teams trim their rosters.

The question is, who they target, how much does it cost, and where will they fit in on the roster? Let’s talk about two potential trade options on the interior defensive line.

Jonathan Allen: Shooting for the Stars

Somewhere in a perfect universe, CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons are extended, and the Cowboys trade for Jonathan Allen to complete the defense.

This two-time Pro Bowler and career-long Commander was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason, and again in the early-summer, and there are some new developments that make trading him to Dallas fairly reasonable.

https://twitter.com/nflrums/status/1773098353074557298

Firstly, despite a division rival trade being unlikely, there is a wildcard in trade discussions between Dallas and Washington: Dan Quinn.

The former Cowboys DC could have strong interest in some former draft picks that the Cowboys may cut to get the roster to 53; Viliami Fehoko or Israel Mukuamu, for example.

Moving off of Allen, who is entering his second-to-last year on contract, would also clear the way for 2024 second round pick, Defensive Tackle Johnny Newton.

https://twitter.com/cwallse/status/1817555423915843620

Look, I’m not naive, this would be a pretty surprising turn of events at this point. However, one or two “Quinn guys” and a 4th round pick could be enough to get the guy who could be the final piece of the defensive puzzle in Dallas.

It really just comes down to how much value this front office want to give up so close before the season, and if Washington has any interest in moving him.

If the Cowboys trade for another interior defensive lineman, it would be silly not to kick the tires on Allen.

Taven Bryan: 2018 Dallas Draft Target

If you can remember all the way back to the 2018 NFL Draft cycle, you will remember just how much the Cowboys loved then-Florida Gator, Taven Bryan.

The pass-rushing defensive tackle went on multiple visits with Dallas, and was firmly in contention to be drafted at the 19th spot. While the team ended up going with the recently-retired Leighton Vander Esch, it could be Bryan who wears the star last.

https://twitter.com/BailieghCarlton/status/978996952946835456

After a deeply disappointing run with his drafted team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bryan landed with the Colts after a stint with the Browns last year.

Bryan was drafted as a 3-technique defensive tackle with pass-rush upside.

Coincidentally, that is exactly what Dallas is still on the search for on the interior defensive line.

Now, as I mentioned, Bryan did not actually live up to those expectations. He tallied just 5.5 sacks in his Jacksonville career, and has started only 40 out of 96 games at this point in his career.

Yes, he is considered a bust, and considering how much he is playing for Indianapolis early in the preseason, it seems possible he could be cut before the season starts.

https://twitter.com/ColtsFilmRoom/status/1824965534221467837

This is exactly where Dallas comes in. Remember the Jones quote from earlier, and the move they made to trade for Phillips. The nose tackle spot is filled, now is the time to find a low-risk, roster-cut candidate on another team with 3-technique ability.

With how much this front office loves to target guys they liked in old drafts, a Cowboys trade for Bryan would not shock me in the least.

Fill a hole with a guy you once liked on the cheap? That is right up the Dallas-wheelhouse.