As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for training camp in Oxnard, California, the team is making calculated moves to refine their roster. With a crowded depth chart, looming contract decisions, and a need to acquire future assets, the Cowboys could be poised to make some shocking trades before the season kicks off. Here are three players who might be on the trading block, with one move that could leave fans absolutely stunned.
1. Deuce Vaughn – A Crowded Backfield Leaves No Room
The running back room in Dallas has become a logjam, and Deuce Vaughn, the diminutive 5’6”, 176-pound back, is struggling to carve out a role. Despite flashes of brilliance in the preseason, Vaughn has managed just 70 rushing yards over two NFL seasons, failing to secure a spot in the regular rotation. His size has made pass protection a challenge, limiting his offensive contributions.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25196655/1704730183.jpg)
With KaVontae Turpin dominating as a special teams returner, Vaughn’s potential as a kick returner is redundant. Rookie Jaydon Blue, who offers similar agility but boasts more explosive speed, further diminishes Vaughn’s value. A trade could net Dallas a late-round draft pick, or at worst, a conditional one. Another team might see untapped potential in Vaughn’s special teams ability or as a change-of-pace back, making him an attractive low-risk acquisition.
2. Jalen Brooks – The Shocking Move That Will Stun Fans
The addition of George Pickens via trade has transformed the Cowboys’ wide receiver corps into a powerhouse, leaving Jalen Brooks in a precarious position. This move could leave fans speechless, as Brooks was once seen as a promising developmental prospect. With CeeDee Lamb and Pickens as elite field-stretchers, and Jalen Tolbert emerging as a reliable No. 3 after his game-winning touchdown against Pittsburgh last season, Brooks is fighting for scraps.
At 25, Brooks still needs time to refine his game, but his critical errors during limited playing time haven’t helped his case. Ryan Flournoy and Jonathan Mingo have turned heads during OTAs and minicamp, pushing Brooks further down the depth chart. If he fails to crack the top five receivers, he becomes expendable. A team in need of a young, developmental fourth receiver might offer a late-round pick for Brooks, but his departure would mark a surprising end to his Dallas tenure, leaving fans reeling.
3. Mazi Smith – A First-Round Disappointment
When the Cowboys selected Mazi Smith in the first round, expectations were sky-high for the Michigan standout to anchor their run defense. Unfortunately, Smith has fallen short. Dallas continues to struggle against the run, and Smith’s lack of pass-rush upside limits his impact. The team’s recent additions of defensive tackles like Jay Toia, Tommy Akingbestoe, and Perrion Winfrey signal a lack of confidence in Smith’s ability to solve their longstanding issues up the middle.
With his value already declining, a poor showing in training camp could prompt Dallas to cut their losses. Trading Smith might allow the Cowboys to recoup some draft capital, perhaps a mid-to-late-round pick, before his stock drops further. For a player with so much promise, this move would be a bitter pill for the organization and fans alike, but it could be a necessary step to address a critical roster weakness.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys are at a crossroads as they prepare for the upcoming season. Trading players like Vaughn, Brooks, and Smith could provide valuable draft picks or assets to address roster holes and plan for the future. While these moves, especially the potential departure of Jalen Brooks, might spark controversy and shock the fanbase, they could be the tough decisions needed to keep Dallas competitive. Keep an eye on training camp, as these trades could reshape the Cowboys’ roster before the season begins!