As the NFL trade deadline on October 31st approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a position where roster upgrades are highly anticipated.
While they have shown their ability to dominate lower-tier teams, the need for improvement to compete with the league’s elite is evident.
One area that demands immediate attention is their red zone offense. The combination of play-calling by head coach Mike McCarthy and a shortage of reliable options has resulted in the Cowboys frequently leaving points on the board.
The struggle in the red zone is exacerbated by the departure of two key offensive weapons from previous seasons: running back Ezekiel Elliott and tight end Dalton Schultz.
Elliott moved on to the New England Patriots, while Schultz joined the Houston Texans. The Cowboys opted not to make any significant moves to fill these voids, leading to their current difficulties.
In a recent episode of First Things First on FS1, NFL analyst Nick Wright suggested that the Cowboys explore a blockbuster trade to address their red zone issues.
3 trades the Cowboys should target, according to @getnickwright:
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) October 19, 2023
Patriots: Kyle Dugger, S
Hunter Renfrow, WR
Saquon Barkley, RB
Is Dallas still a piece away from being Super Bowl contenders? pic.twitter.com/otCwu4oZHP
Wright proposed that Dallas should contact the New York Giants and inquire about the possibility of acquiring running back Saquon Barkley.
Wright’s idea, while intriguing, faces significant challenges in terms of feasibility. The New York Giants have reportedly assured Barkley that they will not trade him before the deadline, as he expresses a desire to remain with the team.
Additionally, it seems unlikely that the Giants would give up on their season and trade Barkley, especially to a division rival like the Cowboys.
Any potential offer from Dallas would need to be exceptionally compelling to initiate discussions, and even that might not be enough to persuade the Giants.
If the Cowboys intend to bolster their offense before the deadline, they will likely need to explore alternative options, considering the limited time remaining until the trade deadline.