For the Dallas Cowboys, the upcoming trade deadline could force Jerry Jones to make some uncomfortable decisions. Despite possessing one of the league's most recognizable offensive cores, Dallas has struggled to establish consistency. With the team sitting below .500, Jones must decide whether to double down on its current roster or start a more sustainable rebuild. Fortunately, the Cowboys have several players whose values could attract interest from contending organizations.
Roller-coaster ride
The year opened with massive expectations, which was derailed by an opening-night stumble against the New York Giants. That was before an agonizing international defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro. From there, DC Christian Parker’s revamped 3-4 defense suffered repeated identity crises. It bottomed out in an embarrassing prime-time loss to the winless Buccaneers. Just when a Week 6 defeat at Lambeau Field threatened to sink the year entirely, Dallas resurrected its hopes with a breathtaking demolition of the Philadelphia Eagles. Yet the euphoria evaporated in Week 8 as familiar defensive fractures resurfaced against Arizona. That has left Dallas at 3-5. It has also forced management to make hard personnel choices before the deadline buzzer.
OL Terence Steele
Offensive tackles are among the most valuable commodities on the trade market. That makes Terence Steele an intriguing trade candidate. This is especially true if the Cowboys believe they have sufficient depth to absorb his departure.
Steele has provided valuable experience and dependability along the offensive line. However, Dallas has begun developing a different combination up front. Tyler Guyton and Tyler Booker are important pieces of the team's longer-term plans. Tyler Smith's versatility and interior dominance also give the Cowboys additional flexibility.
For Dallas, keeping every established veteran might not be the smartest approach. Steele could attract interest from desperate playoff hopefuls. His experience and availability could make him particularly appealing to organizations dealing with injuries at tackle.
Dallas should not give him away cheaply, though. A meaningful middle-round draft selection would be a reasonable starting point for negotiations.
WR Jonathan Mingo
Jonathan Mingo is another player whose current situation makes him a logical trade candidate. He has struggled to establish a consistent role within Dallas' crowded offensive rotation.
CeeDee Lamb remains the unquestioned centerpiece of the passing attack. George Pickens provides another explosive perimeter option. Ryan Flournoy's emergence has further complicated Mingo's path toward meaningful playing time. KaVontae Turpin continues to offer specialized value as a versatile offensive weapon and returner.
That leaves Mingo competing for scraps. That means a change of scenery could provide a much-needed opportunity to reset his career. There should be interest from teams seeking additional receiving depth. Dallas could potentially secure a conditional late-round selection while opening an active roster spot for a defensive addition.
It would not be a blockbuster transaction. Still, sometimes the smartest deadline decisions involve moving players whose opportunities have become limited. Mingo fits that description.
TE Luke Schoonmaker
Luke Schoonmaker is here because Dallas has the personnel to absorb his departure while potentially receiving useful compensation in return. Jake Ferguson has established himself as Dak Prescott's primary receiving option at tight end.. Meanwhile, Brevyn Spann-Ford offers a different dimension as an in-line blocker.
Schoonmaker still possesses the athleticism, size, and receiving ability to interest other organizations. However, his inconsistent involvement in Dallas' offensive rotation has made it difficult to justify keeping him. For tight-end-needy contenders, Schoonmaker could represent an attractive midseason addition.
Article Continues BelowDallas should explore whether a conditional late-round selection is available. While moving a former high draft choice might be difficult, the Cowboys cannot afford to let sentiment dictate their personnel decisions. More importantly, trading Schoonmaker could provide additional flexibility to address the defense. That remains the team's most pressing concern.
Maximize the deadline
The Cowboys are not necessarily ready to abandon their 2026 season. However, sitting at 3-5 means management must be realistic about the roster's shortcomings.
Steele, Mingo, and Schoonmaker represent three different trade opportunities. Each one offers a chance to improve Dallas' long-term flexibility. Whether Jones ultimately moves one, two, or all three, the objective should remain clear. They must acquire assets that can help address the team's most glaring weaknesses.
The Cowboys need more than another headline-grabbing transaction. They need smart, calculated roster management. With the deadline approaching, this is Jones' opportunity to prove that Dallas can make difficult decisions before another season slips away.