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.
Sounds like the Cowboys aren't done trying to improve their defensive line. Jerry Jones on @1053thefan while talking about some of their recent defensive line additions: "Sometimes in the interior (defensive) line, you get a chance to do some things with other clubs right at the…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 18, 2024
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.
Washington Commanders Jonathan Allen has expressed hesitation about being part of a rebuild but the team does not expect to TRADE him.
Allen has 39 career sacks and 111 QB Hits pic.twitter.com/tZl8U3RooT
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 27, 2024
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.
DL Jonathan Allen with rookie Johnny Newton during position drills. pic.twitter.com/0pvGoXfalc
— CWallSports (@cwallse) July 28, 2024
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.
Dallas Cowboys DC coaching up Taven Bryan. pic.twitter.com/9Vz8RPstpn
— Bailiegh Carlton (@BailieghCarlton) March 28, 2018
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.
Taven Bryan playing at this point into the preseason is not a good sign at all
— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) August 18, 2024
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.
