Report: One Name Is Rising to the Top of the Cowboys’ Trade Wishlist — And the Timing Is Perfect
Dallas Cowboys Are at a Crossroads – It’s Time to Act
After a strong showing by their offense, the Dallas Cowboys have made it clear they have the tools to compete this season — but that only emphasizes the fact that they still have a major gap on defense. Waiting for “young players to eventually develop” is no longer a realistic option if the goal is to make a deep playoff run.
Warning Signs on Defense
Under Matt Eberflus, the defense has had a few impressive games — like the one where Dallas recorded 4 sacks and 6 QB hits against Washington. But the moment the Cowboys rushed only four instead of five, the cracks began to show: opposing quarterbacks had time, and the pressure vanished.
As a result, the two edge rushers Dallas has been hoping to rely on — Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland — still haven’t proven they can be true game-changers.
The Name Emerging as a Solution
In this context, one name has surfaced as a prime trade target: Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets.
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Johnson was selected to the 2023 Pro Bowl, proving his elite level.
After returning from an Achilles injury, he’s already posted strong numbers in just four games this season: 9 pressures, 7 run stops, 2 QB hits, and a 70.8 run-defense grade (PFF).
He’s still only 26 years old and is under contract through 2026 if his fifth-year option is exercised — a valuable long-term asset.
Why Johnson Fits Exactly What Dallas Needs
Key reasons why Johnson makes sense:
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Dallas needs an EDGE disruptor — someone who doesn’t just get sacks but constantly collapses the pocket, pressures the quarterback, and holds his own against the run. Johnson checks all those boxes.
A dominant presence on the edge makes the entire defense function better: quarterbacks are forced to throw early, running backs lose lanes, and defensive backs don’t have to cover forever.
Pairing Johnson with a young emerging talent like Donovan Ezeiruaku could form a dynamic, long-term edge duo — something the Cowboys have lacked for years.
Factors to Consider Before “Pushing the Button”
Still, trading for Johnson isn’t without concerns:
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Dallas also has needs at interior defensive line and linebacker — ignoring those spots entirely could still leave the defense with glaring weaknesses.
If Johnson is truly “available,” the Cowboys need to move quickly — the trade deadline is approaching fast, and competition from other teams is likely.
Bottom Line: This Is a “Go Big or Go Home” Moment
If the Cowboys’ offense continues to fire at a high level, this might be their perfect window to contend. Adding Jermaine Johnson wouldn’t just be an upgrade — it could be the move that takes Dallas from “playoff hopeful” to legitimate contender. But for that to happen, Jerry Jones and the front office need to act boldly — not wait, but knock on the door now.
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