6 Dallas Cowboys Trade Targets After NFL Rumors Emerge

September 7, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Dallas Cowboys have already made sweeping changes this offseason. Yet, team owner Jerry Jones has long been hinting at another potential blockbuster trade. Now, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer is backing up Jones’s statement by saying, “The logic behind such a move is actually there.”

So, which players could the Cowboys target via trade? Here’s a quick list of six options.

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Josh Sweat

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Seeking a new contract and possibly a chance to play for a contender again, Josh Sweat isn’t happy with the Arizona Cardinals. He could find happiness in Dallas, especially if they’re willing to give him a contract that’s more aligned with his market value. The former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner is coming off an excellent 12-sack season and surely wouldn’t be available for a low cost. Yet, with extra draft capital, the Cowboys may not be scared off by a high price tag.

Tony Pollard

Aug 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) rushes the ball during a game against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Cowboys love the production they got out of Javonte Williams last season, recording a career-best 1,201 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. Yet, there isn’t much to be excited about behind their starter. As a result, they could turn back to their old friend, Tony Pollard, who’s entering the final year of his contract in Tennessee. If Williams is forced to miss any time, the Cowboys could present the Titans with an offer too good to refuse.

T.J. Watt

Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) participates in training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

T.J. Watt is signed through 2028, but if Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers fail to turn the Pittsburgh Steelers into a legitimate contender early in the season, it’s not all that unreasonable for arguably the team’s best player to request a trade. With no clear future at QB behind Rodgers, chances are Watt won’t want to wait around for the Steelers to fumble through other options until they find their franchise solution. Now 31 years old with no Super Bowl ring, Watt could see the appeal of joining a Cowboys team that isn’t afraid to swing for the fences.

Denzel Ward

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) looks on during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Even though the Browns just signed Denzel Ward to a two-year extension to keep him in Cleveland through 2029, one would think he’d eventually want to play for a winner. While the Browns have one of the NFL’s best young cores, they still don’t have a franchise QB. Trading Ward would only help them acquire more picks to find their future solution at QB, and the Cowboys may be the perfect partner.

Maxx Crosby

Aug 27, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Maxx Crosby (98) on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Trim-Imagn Images

The Raiders already expressed a willingness to trade him once, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they listened to offers again. Chances are, they wouldn’t accept anything less than a first-round pick, but the Cowboys would likely include a young pass-rusher like Donovan Ezeiruaku to sweeten the deal too.

Joey Porter Jr.

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Already seeking a new contract in Pittsburgh, there’s no guarantee Joey Porter Jr. will even play in Week 1. Though, we don’t imagine someone who loves football as much as Joey Porter’s son would ever voluntarily miss a game due to a contract dispute. Still, the fact that such an idea is even on the table just shows how irked he is with Pittsburgh’s front office. Could he grow so irritated that he ends up in Dallas in a secondary that also now features Caleb Downs?