The Dallas Cowboys are in a difficult position with the salary cap and might need to consider making trades. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine assembled a list of three players the Cowboys might trade or release this offseason.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks was the main focus, as he is entering the last season of a two-year, $39.7 million contract. Cooks is set to have a $10 million cap hit in 2024.
In a May 8, 2024 story titled “Cowboys’ Potential Trade, Cut Candidates After 2024 NFL Draft,” Ballentine wrote, “Brandin Cooks is a talented receiver, but his best chance at holding an NFL record is to be traded once more. He's currently tied with Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson as the most-traded player in the league since 1980.
“… If the Cowboys traded the veteran receiver after June 1, they would save $8 million against the 2024 salary cap. The Cowboys didn’t draft a receiver until the sixth round,” Ballentine added. “Ryan Flournoy could be an underrated gem of the class as a 6’1”, 202-pound receiver with 4.44 speed and some potential as an FCS prospect.
“If they believe Flournoy can contribute immediately and that Jalen Tolbert will finally emerge, they might decide that Cooks is not necessary in the offense.”
Dallas Cowboys Receiver Brandin Cooks Came on Strong During the Final Stretch of 2023
The veteran receiver had his worst statistical season since 2021. Cooks had 54 receptions for 657 yards and 8 touchdowns in 16 appearances for the Cowboys in 2023.
Yet, Dallas would be smart to reconsider before getting rid of Cooks. Cooks and Dak Prescott developed chemistry as the season progressed. Five of Cooks’ 8 touchdowns came in the final seven regular season games.
Verdict on Cowboys Trading Brandin Cooks: Dallas Should Pass on Dealing the Receiver
The Cowboys could benefit from having more wide receivers instead of getting rid of the ones they currently have. Dallas released Michael Gallup this offseason and has yet to sign a veteran replacement.
Releasing Cooks with the hope that sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy can contribute immediately is somewhat unrealistic. Dallas already needs third-year wideout Jalen Tolbert to step up alongside CeeDee Lamb and Cooks.
Cowboys Rumors: Dallas Met With Ex-Jaguars Receiver Zay Jones
After the draft, Dallas has expressed interest in signing another wideout. The Cowboys met with Zay Jones after his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Sources: Former Jaguars WR Zay Jones is visiting the Cowboys today,” Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz explained in a series of May 8 posts on X. “Jones has already met with the Titans and Cardinals. Several teams competing for the former 2nd-round pick. The Cowboys are a potential return home for Zay Jones, who was born in Dallas and prepped nearby in Austin.”
Cowboys Rumors: Dallas May Be in a Battle With the Chiefs for Zay Jones
The challenge is Jones is also meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs on May 9. Dallas may need to increase their potential offer to land Jones, as multiple teams are interested.
“In the past, the Cowboys made sure that a potential free agent they wanted to sign stayed in the building, Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr. said on X on May 8. “It might still happen, but Zay Jones visiting the Chiefs doesn't look good. Perhaps he wants to visit all the teams before deciding.
“What we do know is that the Cowboys, his father’s team, didn't give him a reason to cancel the trip to KC. They were never going to force him to accept an offer.”
