The NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday and it looks like there are still some trades waiting to happen around the league. The Dallas Cowboys have already engaged in a high-profile deal that sent their 2019 first round draft pick over to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for Wide Receiver Amari Cooper. Now, another WR is demanding to be traded from his current team and one has to wonder if Dallas would be willing to pull the trigger again to improve an offense that desperately needs help.
According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, DeSean Jackson has demanded a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His demand makes sense, as the Bucs don’t look like a serious contender in their division despite the surprising start to the season they engineered under Ryan “Fitzmagic.” Now the question, of course, is who will trade for the veteran?
#Bucs WR DeSean Jackson requested a trade from Tampa Bay, sources say. The team has resisted. But an intriguing name to watch. My story: https://t.co/CeoQcy5SAc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2018
Despite the addition of Amari Cooper, the Cowboys could be a potential candidate on this conversation.
The Cowboys wide receiver core has proven to be inefficient through seven games. Although Dak Prescott hasn’t played very well this season, many of this offense’s woes are also responsibility of the wide receivers and tight ends.
Bryan Broaddus recently mentioned on Twitter that the the Cowboys were looking at both these positions ahead of the trade deadline. After the trade for Cooper, a tight end might make more sense but a second trade for a WR shouldn’t be ruled out here.
First of all, it’s high time we admit neither Allen Hurns or Deonte Thompson have been the answer at the position. None of these guys is a deep threat for Dallas and haven’t been able to meet expectations. And it’s not like expectations were high…
DeSean Jackson is not an elite player by any means. He’s not really WR1 material but could definitely help Dak Prescott and company by stretching the field and opening up deeper pass plays, which haven’t been frequent at all for the Cowboys.
Some in Cowboys Nation are still trying to get over the fact that this team traded its first round selection, but Jackson shouldn’t be an expensive player to get. With 31 years of age, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded for a fifth rounder.
Whether or nor you’re a fan of Prescott, there’s no denying the front office is deciding to trust their young QB despite a rocky 2018. That’s why they shipped a first round draft pick that otherwise could’ve been used in a rookie QB. Now that’s not an option. Prescott will very likely be under center next season as well.
If that’s the case, the team should continue its task of improving Dak’s supporting cast. Jackson could be a relatively cheap option to add a little spark to Scott Linehan’s offense. In just one week, the wide receiver position would be significantly better.
For now, all eyes are on what Amari Cooper will do for this team. We’ll have to wait until November 5th to watch him wear the Star on Monday Night Football.
