3 needs Dallas Cowboys must address ahead of 2023 NFL Trade Deadline
The Dallas Cowboys entered their Week 7 bye week with a solid 4-2 record in the 2023 NFL season so far.
They have their sights set on competing for an elusive sixth Super Bowl ring for their franchise, especially considering their progress in recent years. Dallas has appeared in the NFL Playoffs in each of the past two seasons, winning a game and advancing to the second round last year.
While the Cowboys used the offseason to address some of the holes on their roster, they will have another opportunity to do so ahead of the 2023 NFL trade deadline. They have until October 31 to finalize any potential trades that could get them closer to their ultimate goal of winning another ring.
The Dallas Cowboys feature one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL, but it doesn't come without some flaws. Here are three areas of their roster that they should look to improve by exploring the available options at the trade deadline.
Dallas Cowboys needs at the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline
#3 Wide Receiver
The Dallas Cowboys acquired Brandin Cooks during the offseason to serve as their WR2, a position that needed upgrading alongside superstar CeeDee Lamb.
While it was the right idea to add a vertical threat to their offense, Cooks has been extremely disappointing in this role. He has failed to reach five receptions or 40 yards in any of his six games so far.
If the Cowboys are looking for a cheap option to upgrade their wide receivers, Terrace Marshall Jr. makes sense as he's currently seeking to be traded. If they want to pay up for an established option, Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton are both rumored to be available on the trade block.
#2 Linebacker
The Cowboys entered the 2023 NFL season thin at the linebacker position, especially on the inside. They recently took another major blow when Leighton Vander Esch was placed on the injured reserve list, leaving them extremely thin in the middle of their defense.
Jordan Hicks appears to be an ideal candidate for Dallas as he's rumored to be on the trade block withhis expiring contract. This also means that the veteran should be fairly cheap to acquire. For an alternative option, Josey Jewell is another linebacker who could be on the move prior to the trade deadline.
#1 Cornerback
Probably the biggest move the Dallas Cowboys made prior to the start of the 2023 NFL season was acquiring former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. He was expected to pair with All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs to forma dynamic duo in their secondary.
While Gilmore has been solid, Diggs suffered a devastating season-ending injury, severely weakening a position that the Cowboys worked hard to improve this year. Daron Bland has done an admirable job filling in, but he's much better as a slot cornerback.
They should explore the available options, including Jaylon Johnson and Donte Jackson, who are both expected to be traded.