The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to bold moves, but their latest trade proposal could reshape their secondary and send shockwaves through the NFL. With uncertainty surrounding their cornerback position, the Cowboys are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster deal to acquire Denver Broncos’ rising star Riley Moss, a move that could solidify their defense for years to come.
The Cowboys’ Cornerback Conundrum
Two realities loom large for Dallas when it comes to their cornerbacks. First, Trevon Diggs, a former NFL All-Pro, has been plagued by injuries, missing 21 games over the past two seasons due to knee issues. His lack of proper rehabilitation and body maintenance raises concerns about his reliability in 2025 and beyond. Second, DaRon Bland, another All-Pro talent, is likely to command a massive contract in free agency, potentially exceeding $90 million. The Cowboys, already facing a hefty financial commitment to make edge rusher Micah Parsons the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, may struggle to retain Bland, especially if his 2025 season doesn’t live up to expectations.
With NFL rules mandating 11 defensive players on the field, Dallas must find a dependable cornerback to anchor their secondary. Enter Riley Moss, a third-round pick in 2023 who has emerged as a quality starter for the Denver Broncos.
The Trade: A Steal for Dallas?
According to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, the Cowboys could acquire Moss by sending a 2026 third-round pick to Denver. Moss, who is under contract for approximately $2.7 million over the next two seasons, offers a cost-effective solution for Dallas. In 2024, he started 14 games, recording 86 tackles, one interception, and eight pass breakups, proving his ability to compete at a high level.
Kay notes, “Broncos could clear roster space and add future talent by dealing Riley Moss—their 2023 third-rounder—to the Cowboys this season. While Moss is a quality corner who emerged as a starter last year, he’s somewhat expendable after Denver’s decision to draft Jahdae Barron.” Barron, a 2025 first-round pick and Jim Thorpe Award winner, has already shown promise in the preseason, positioning him as the long-term CB2 alongside All-Pro Patrick Surtain II in Denver’s secondary.
For Dallas, Moss represents an immediate starter who can bridge the gap while they navigate Diggs’ recovery and Bland’s uncertain future. His affordability and proven production make this trade a potential heist for the Cowboys.
The Revel Factor: High Risk, High Reward
The Cowboys also have a wildcard in Shavon Revel, their 2025 third-round pick (No. 76 overall) out of East Carolina. Once projected as a first-round talent, Revel’s draft stock fell after a torn ACL limited him to just three games in 2024. Despite the injury concerns, ESPN’s Ben Solak highlights Revel’s potential: “Before his 2024 season was cut short by a torn ACL, Revel was an elite small-school corner with 16 pass breakups and three interceptions in 15 games.”
Revel’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and with Diggs potentially starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list following January knee surgery, Dallas cannot rely solely on their rookie to fill the void. Acquiring Moss provides insurance and allows Revel time to develop into a potential long-term starter.
Why This Move Makes Sense
The proposed trade for Moss is a low-risk, high-reward move for Dallas. A third-round pick is a modest price for a player who has already proven himself as a full-time starter. Moss’s versatility and tackling ability align perfectly with the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, and his contract provides financial flexibility as Dallas navigates upcoming megadeals for Parsons and potentially Bland.
For Denver, moving Moss makes sense given their depth at cornerback. Barron’s emergence and Surtain’s lockdown presence create a logjam, making Moss expendable for a draft pick that can bolster their roster elsewhere.
A New Era for Dallas’ Defense?
If the Cowboys pull off this trade, they could pair Moss with Revel in the coming years, creating a young, dynamic cornerback tandem to complement Parsons’ dominance on the edge. While Diggs’ health and Bland’s future remain question marks, Moss offers stability and upside at a critical position.
The NFL is on notice: the Cowboys are making calculated moves to stay competitive. Acquiring Riley Moss could be the steal of the offseason, positioning Dallas to dominate in the secondary and beyond.