The Dallas Cowboys are still awaiting the full return on their significant investment in cornerback Joey Porter Jr. After being sidelined by illness and appearing on the injury report again ahead of Week 6, his status remains uncertain. Porter missed the loss to Tampa Bay and was limited early in the week due to an ankle issue, adding to a season already disrupted by back problems that kept him off the field for most of September. The Cowboys traded a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to acquire Porter from Pittsburgh, making his health a crucial factor in their defensive strategy.
This trade is also likely to influence future decisions. Entering Week 6 with a 2-3 record, the Cowboys have one of the league's least reliable defenses, allowing 168.4 rushing yards per game and ranking near the bottom in total yards allowed and opposing passer rating. The organization has already added Mike Pettine to the coaching staff, and owner Jerry Jones has indicated the possibility of making another trade. This makes the upcoming weeks particularly critical for a team that is only one game behind in the NFC East.
Acquiring another expensive cornerback would duplicate an investment the Cowboys have already made. A more effective strategy would be to focus on strengthening the front line, where issues with run defense and pass-rush consistency continue to undermine the entire unit.
Tuli Tuipulotu would give Dallas a younger edge presence
The Chargers' disappointing 0-5 start has raised interest in several defensive players, particularly Tuli Tuipulotu, who should be a top target for Dallas.
At 24 years old, Tuipulotu is in the final season of his rookie contract after the two sides could not agree on an extension during the offseason. He has already established himself as a productive edge defender, tallying two sacks, two forced fumbles, three passes defended, and an interception through the first five games of the 2026 season.
Dallas needs this kind of activity around the football. The pass rush has significantly changed since Micah Parsons was traded to Green Bay, and the Cowboys have been searching for ways to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and protect their vulnerable defense consistently. While Rashan Gary offers a proven presence on one side, Tuipulotu could bring another defender capable of winning without relying solely on blitz pressure. His age makes him an appealing option over a short-term rental.
However, a trade would likely require substantial compensation, especially since the Chargers might consider extending him rather than trading him. Dallas has already diminished its pool of future picks through various recent trades, so the front office will need to be careful with what they are willing to give up.
From a football standpoint, the fit is promising, as Tuipulotu can contribute on early downs instead of being limited to a designated pass rusher. Dallas has often found itself in difficult defensive situations after losing at the line of scrimmage against the run. Adding another edge player with enough size to hold up against the run would help Christian Parker avoid putting undue pressure on the secondary, which frequently faces long drives.
Daron Payne could attack the Cowboys' biggest statistical weakness
Washington's 1-3 start has raised questions about several veteran players, with Daron Payne standing out as a logical candidate for a team looking to trade an expiring contract before November 10.
Dallas should be interested in Payne, as he would immediately address a significant weakness in their defense. The Cowboys have struggled to defend their interior, consistently allowing more rushing yards per game than any other team in the league as of Week 6. This vulnerability puts additional pressure on the entire defense, forcing safeties closer to the line of scrimmage, making linebackers more susceptible to play-action, and giving quarterbacks easier passing opportunities once Dallas commits more players to stop the run.
Payne has built his career around excelling in interior defense. As a former first-round pick, he possesses the strength to anchor against double teams while also providing interior pressure to disrupt the pocket, and this would allow Dallas to enhance their defensive front without needing to overhaul the entire structure of their defense. Additionally, his presence alongside Kenny Clark would create better opportunities for edge rushers, particularly on clear passing downs where interior pressure is crucial for limiting the quarterback's comfort.
From a financial perspective, acquiring Payne would require careful planning, as he has a significant cap hit in 2026, but his contract expires at the end of the season, and Washington has little reason to keep him through a disappointing year without a new deal in place. Divisional trades can be complex, especially when the receiving team is still in playoff contention, but given the Commanders' slow start, they may find that future draft compensation is more valuable than retaining an expensive veteran for the last two months of the season.
Dallas has already demonstrated a willingness to engage in trades under unusual circumstances this season, and with the defense in need of immediate assistance, it would be worth exploring the possibility of acquiring Payne.
Will McDonald IV offers a more measured pass-rush gamble
The Jets offer a unique opportunity with Will McDonald IV. Although the former first-round pick has not become a dominant every-down defender, his production as a pass rusher has been consistently valuable throughout his career. In 2024, he recorded 10.5 sacks, followed by eight more sacks last season, and he has two sacks through the first five games of 2026, including a strip-sack that secured New York's Week 5 victory over Cleveland.
Article Continues BelowIf the Cowboys acquire him, they would be getting a specialist with a defined role, rather than expecting him to completely transform their defense, and this could be beneficial for a roster that already has Gary taking on a larger workload, along with several younger defenders competing for playing time. McDonald's speed off the edge would provide Parker with another option on third downs, where the Cowboys desperately need to limit opposing offenses' opportunities and prevent quarterbacks from finding their rhythm.
Additionally, McDonald's reduced role with the Jets could keep the trade cost lower than what would be required for Tuipulotu. New York's defense has benefited from strong performances by rookie David Bailey and several offseason additions, leaving McDonald with only one start through five games. A player with 23.5 career sacks still holds value, but as the Jets shift their rotation toward other options, a trade for McDonald could be more feasible now than it was last year.
The Cowboys would need to view McDonald as part of a broader solution, rather than as a replacement for Parsons. Making that comparison could create unrealistic expectations that no available trade addition is likely to fulfill.
Dallas should resist spending again on the wrong area
The secondary remains weakened, keeping cornerback depth a significant topic of discussion. Cobie Durant has already been ruled out for Week 6, and Ameer Speed is also dealing with a knee injury. Once the group becomes healthier, Porter and Shavon Revel are expected to provide Dallas with more stability at cornerback, while DaRon Bland remains a key part of the long-term plan.
Dallas has also been active in making smaller roster moves, such as bringing back Emari Demercado after waiving him previously. The veteran running back has already appeared in two games for the Cowboys this season, providing another depth option behind the primary rotation. This move illustrates the type of low-cost transaction that can address secondary needs without depleting valuable resources.
So, with significant investments, they're showing that the front office believes this season is worth pursuing.