The Dallas Cowboys have exactly one above-average skill position player, and CeeDee Lamb hasn’t looked like the same All-Pro he was last year. The Cowboys’ playoff hopes are fading fast in a competitive NFC, which could prompt Jerry Jones to make one more signature big splash.
When Lamb is covered up, Dak Prescott’s passing game includes the young Jalen Tolbert, Jake Ferguson, and an injured Brandin Cooks. With the NFL likely so deep that Dallas will be unable to sneak in as a wild card, the only way for the Cowboys to make it to the postseason is to add some playmakers to overtake the Commanders and Eagles in the division.
The Cowboys should target one of these four receivers as they try to give this roster the boost they need. They’ve done it in the past by picking up Amari Cooper, so why not try it again before the season gets out of hand?
4 wide receivers Cowboys can realistically acquire at NFL trade deadline
4. Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may be more likely to deal Thielen than Diontae Johnson, who appears to be te team’s new No. 1 receiver. Thielen is an injury risk who is starting to decline, but the Cowboys could still bring in a solid No. 3 wide receiver without breaking the bank if they make this move.
3. Mike Williams, New York Jets
Williams has just 10 catches and no touchdowns through six games, as he has not been on the same page with Aaron Rodgers. Many of his best plays are still contested catches, and his 6-4 frame makes him a perfect vertical target and 50-50 ball X-factor for a team like Dallas. The Cowboys just need to use him differently than the Jets.
2. Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags might not be willing to move one of Trevor Lawrence’s few offensive weapons, but the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr. might make Kirk expendable for the right price. A reliable underneath threat, Kirk has enough verticality in his game to make some big plays for an efficient quarterback like Prescott.
1. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
This move may not going to happen unless things get very dire, but the Cowboys need to at least keep their eyes peeled for any signs of LA deciding to rebuild. There are few receivers in the league, when healthy, who have the hands and route-running skills Kupp has. If he’s available, Jones will assuredly be considering the Rams whatever they desire.