The Cowboys need a big-play element…

Seattle Seahawks v Dallas Cowboys Seattle Seahawks v Dallas Cowboys | Michael Owens/GettyImages

It was confirmed at the NFL Combine that the Dallas Cowboys will be in the market for a secondary receiver this offseason.

The organization is hopeful Jonathan Mingo will develop into that role with a full offseason building chemistry with Dak Prescott, but that is wishful thinking given how little Mingo has produced in his career up until this point.

Regardless of Mingo’s development, Dallas sorely needs to upgrade WR2. The free agency market isn’t flush with talent and this year’s draft class is extremely thin behind potential first-rounders Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden and Luther Burden.

A trade might be the most realistic solution. Rams veteran Cooper Kupp has been mentioned as a possibility, but he may end up getting released. Tee Higgins may get dealt by the Bengals if the two sides can’t agree to a long-term deal, but he will be looking for a $30 million salary.

It’s not a luxurious market by any stretch, but there are a plethora of options.

Seahawks star DK Metcalf’s trade request should interest the Cowboys

There has been a lot of trade speculation following D.K. Metcalf the last several weeks. Reports claimed he was offered to the Green Bay Packers for a ridiculous price. In any event, the discourse came to a head on Wednesday when he officially requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned that Metcalf prefers to be dealt to a contender. While Dallas finished with seven wins last season, they won 12 games in each of the previous three seasons. They are a strong bet to return to playoff contention in 2025. That shouldn’t be an issue.

The one caveat, of course, is Metcalf’s desire for a new contract.

The two-time Pro Bowler makes $24 million per year on his current deal. While he doesn’t have the resume of a $30 million per year guy, the floor might be set at $25 million. A number of teams pay two receivers north of $20 million, including the Eagles, Dolphins, Bengals and Commanders. It’s possible, but history suggests this front office won’t even consider it.

After all, they just committed $20 million a year to Osa Odighizuwa and will have to set aside at least $30 million per year and close to $100 million guaranteed for Micah Parsons. Furthermore, cornerback DaRon Bland was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and Tyler Smith is firmly established as one of the best young guards in football. Brandon Aubrey’s price tag is only going up as well.

The Cowboys have more money than they claim to, but there is only room for so many premium contracts before they hinder your ability to field a balanced roster.

While Metcalf is an ideal complement to CeeDee Lamb and would add a needed big-play element to the offense, it is really hard to envision this front office giving up the necessary money and draft capital to make it happen.

Never say never, though.