TRADE ALERT: Cowboys Reach Out to Four Defensive Stars Ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline

Cowboys Looking to Bolster Defense Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are under mounting pressure to fix their faltering defense — and one of these four defensive stars could be the missing piece they desperately need.

With a current record of 3–4–1, Dallas is still in the playoff picture, but barely. If they want to turn their season around, the defense must be retooled fast.
The Cowboys have struggled against the run, allowed too many explosive plays, and suffered from injuries in the secondary. It’s no surprise, then, that Dallas is being mentioned among teams expected to make a move before the November 4 trade deadline.
They don’t need a complete overhaul — just smart, targeted reinforcements. And a few names have already surfaced as potential fits under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

1. DeMario Davis – Veteran Leadership in the Middle

At 36, DeMario Davis isn’t a long-term solution, but he’s exactly the kind of short-term veteran fix Dallas could use. He’s still playing at a high level, brings toughness, and — just as important — leadership to a defense that’s been missing both.
Davis remains one of the league’s most disciplined linebackers against the run, capable of plugging gaps and setting the tone. The New Orleans Saints, sitting at 1–7, might be open to moving him for a late-round pick.
He won’t change the entire season by himself, but he could immediately patch up the Cowboys’ most glaring weakness: consistency at linebacker.

2. Riq Woolen – A Playmaking Cornerback

Next up is Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle isn’t tearing down their roster, but rumors suggest Woolen could be available for the right price.
Woolen may not be a perfect scheme fit for new head coach Mike Macdonald, but his production speaks for itself — 44 pass breakups and 11 interceptions in two seasons.
He’s exactly the kind of turnover-creating cornerback Dallas lacks right now. With injuries thinning the secondary and big plays drying up, Woolen’s size, length, and athleticism could be game-changing. At just 25, he’s a high-upside gamble worth a mid-round pick.

3. Jaelan Phillips – A Risky but Explosive Edge Option

The Cowboys’ pass rush has cooled off recently, allowing opposing quarterbacks far too much comfort in the pocket. That’s where Jaelan Phillips comes in.
The former first-round pick has speed, bend, and raw power — everything Dan Quinn loves in an edge rusher. The concern is durability; injuries have limited his availability. But if Miami is open to moving him, and the price is reasonable, Dallas should absolutely consider it.
Phillips may not be an instant-impact addition, but he’s a “high-ceiling” swing that could pay off big — especially if Micah Parsons continues to face double teams every snap.

4. Minkah Fitzpatrick – The Big Swing

If Dallas truly wants to make a statement move, Minkah Fitzpatrick should be their top target. Even before the injuries piled up, safety was a concern. Now, it’s an outright liability.
Fitzpatrick wouldn’t come cheap, but his arrival would instantly transform the secondary. He’s a ball hawk, a vocal leader, and a tone-setter — all things Dallas is missing on the back end.
Yes, the cost would be steep, but if the Cowboys believe this season is still salvageable, Fitzpatrick is the kind of all-in move that could reignite their playoff hopes.

Final Thoughts

The Cowboys stand at a crossroads. They’re not out of the playoff race, but the current trend isn’t encouraging.
If owner Jerry Jones and the front office want to salvage this season, they’ll need to act quickly — and wisely. Whether it’s a veteran presence like DeMario Davis, a young playmaker like Riq Woolen, a high-upside pass rusher like Jaelan Phillips, or a true difference-maker like Minkah Fitzpatrick — the time to move is now.
Dallas doesn’t need to start over. They just need to fix the right spots — before it’s too late.