As the 2020 season heads down the drain for the Dallas Cowboys, it’s only natural for speculation to arise as to which players could be on the trade block for a team that is more likely to finish 2020 in position for a top five pick in the NFL draft than a playoff berth.
Well, yesterday the trade block speculation hit full force as Ian Rapoport from NFL Network reported that the Dallas Cowboys are looking at moving summer free agent signing Everson Griffen.
This is an interesting one: The #Cowboys have made it known that DE Everson Griffen is available in a trade, source says. About half of his $6M salary is left for a team looking for edge help. Makes sense with Dallas’ record.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2020
It’s a move that makes sense for the Dallas Cowboys as Griffen is unlikely to be in their long-term plans. Much like this offseason, it’s unlikely also that a team would sign him in the 2021 offseason before the compensatory pick deadline.
It’s been a rocky season for Griffen with the Cowboys, much like it’s been for the rest of his teammates as well. Everson Griffen hasn’t played up to the expectations many had for him when the Cowboys signed him to a one-year contract.
However, Griffen is still a household name that on the right team could provide a boost to their pass rush. He has three sacks on the season, which is second on the Dallas Cowboys behind Aldon Smith.
The trade compensation would likely be in the range of a fifth or later for the veteran pass rusher, but there are likely to be teams interested in acquiring his services. A team like the Seattle Seahawks who are struggling on defense could benefit from Griffen and his connection to Pete Carroll from their time together at USC could make the two sides perfect dance partners.
The Cowboys are wise to try and get something for Griffen who would be heading to a new team this offseason anyway. The question is can they find a team that is desperate enough for pass-rush help to send a draft pick, any draft pick, the Cowboys’ way prior to the trade deadline.
Even as up and down as his play has been, you can never have enough pass rush. Everson Griffen’s got a history of production and a skill set that every team is looking for, even if it’s declined somewhat from the player Everson Griffen was in his prime.
