The Dallas Cowboys are reeling from a tough two-week stretch that’s exposed underlying issues within the team. First, they suffered a humiliating 47-9 loss at home to the Detroit Lions. The aftermath saw owner Jerry Jones taking some of his frustrations public. Initially, he made headlines by threatening to fire hosts on the team’s flagship radio station, and then, a week later, he publicly criticized head coach Mike McCarthy’s offensive schemes. Quarterback Dak Prescott has struggled mightily, performing well below his near-MVP standards of 2023, while cornerback Trevon Diggs even confronted a media member after a recent 30-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, reportedly upset over a critical tweet about his performance.
In the midst of these challenges, Dallas has just entered a brutal stretch of their schedule, one that could easily send them into a downward spiral. For fans and critics alike, it’s clear the Cowboys need to make some major adjustments before things get out of hand.
This situation feels like déjà vu for Cowboys fans who remember the 2018 season. That year, Dallas was also struggling with a 3-4 record and looked to be heading toward an unremarkable season. However, the front office made a bold midseason trade for wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Raiders, a move that energized the team and helped them finish the season strong. Cooper provided a much-needed spark, and the Cowboys rallied to end the season 10-6, winning the NFC East and even securing a playoff victory over the Seahawks.
Cooper was crucial in that turnaround, hauling in 53 catches for 725 yards and six touchdowns across the final nine games of the regular season. Despite the first-round draft pick they gave up for him, Cooper’s impact was invaluable. That selection ultimately ended up as the 27th pick, which the Raiders used on safety Johnathan Abram, a player who has not had a significant impact. Cooper’s arrival helped stabilize the offense, particularly benefiting Prescott, who needed a reliable target to elevate his game.
Now, in 2024, the Cowboys find themselves in a similar predicament. They have a defense plagued by injuries, a one-dimensional offense heavily reliant on wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and a lack of options in the skill positions. Some fans may call for firing McCarthy or one of his coordinators, but the truth is that Dallas needs more than a coaching shakeup—they need to add talent, especially on offense.
The current Cowboys’ offense lacks the variety and dynamism that made them competitive in 2023. They’ve missed opportunities to add a strong running back, passing on Derrick Henry in free agency, who could have brought much-needed power and versatility. The same goes for some promising young wide receivers like Ladd McConkey and Keon Coleman, both of whom were available when Dallas selected offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with their 29th pick in the 2024 draft. Instead, they’re left with an offense that looks like a weathered version of last year’s, lacking the imagination and explosiveness that made it effective.
Jones and the Cowboys organization have some leverage to work with ahead of the fast-approaching November 5 trade deadline. They have all their draft picks for 2025, including an expected set of compensatory picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. Additionally, the team has over $23 million in cap space, though a portion of that will likely roll over for future contract extensions. With enough flexibility to make a midseason acquisition, Dallas has the resources for either a small or significant move, depending on what the market offers.
The trade market is just beginning to heat up, but there are a few teams and players to watch. The New York Jets have offensive line depth and cornerback D.J. Reed, who could be a solid addition, while the Carolina Panthers are open to discussing most of their veterans. Players like wide receiver Diontae Johnson, running back Miles Sanders, or even Adam Thielen (assuming he returns from injured reserve) could give Dallas’s offense the boost it needs. The Tennessee Titans, though reportedly “done” trading, could still entertain offers for veterans not named Jeffery Simmons. This week, teams are expected to make more moves as the deadline inches closer.
The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule is intense, featuring the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Washington Commanders. These opponents have a combined record of 22-9, with three currently leading their respective divisions and the Eagles close behind in second place. The Cowboys have little margin for error if they hope to salvage the season and keep pace in the NFC East.
As the season’s stakes intensify, Dallas has an opportunity to pull itself out of this rut, just as it did in 2018. But to do so, Jones and the Cowboys must be willing to take action, perhaps even risking a first-round pick if it means finding a player who can turn things around. This might be the Cowboys’ last chance to reclaim control of their season. If they don’t act now, they risk watching another season fade away, leaving fans and players alike wondering what could have been.
With the trade deadline looming, the time for Dallas to make a move is now. Whether they’ll find the solution on offense, defense, or both, one thing is clear: the Cowboys cannot afford to sit idly by as another season slips through their fingers.
