Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense under Matt Eberflus has fallen apart. One trade scenario—sending Terence Steele, Brock Hoffman, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Titans for Jeffery Simmons and Cedric Gray could reshape Dallas’ defense.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense under coordinator Matt Eberflus has been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments.
Once expected to be a disciplined, gap-sound, and opportunistic unit, the group has instead collapsed, ranking near the bottom in sacks, run defense, and third-down stops.
To change that trajectory, imagine this blockbuster trade proposal:
The Cowboys send right tackle Terence Steele, center Brock Hoffman, and the Green Bay Packers’ 2026 first-round pick (acquired in the Micah Parsons trade) to the Tennessee Titans.
The Cowboys receive All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and second-year linebacker Cedric Gray, a 2024 fourth-round pick out of North Carolina.
It’s not official—but it’s the kind of bold move Jerry Jones could make to save a defense that’s spiraling under Eberflus.
Matt Eberflus’ defensive system is built on discipline, gap control, and speed at the second level—three traits the Cowboys have completely lacked this season.
Opposing offenses have run through them, averaging over 4.7 yards per carry, while the interior line has failed to generate consistent pressure.
That’s where Jeffery Simmons comes in. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the most complete defensive tackles in football, combining brute strength with technique and motor.
He’s averaged eight sacks and 50 pressures per year, production that would instantly change how teams block Dallas’ front four.
Cedric Gray, the Titans’ second-year linebacker and 2024 fourth-round pick, brings speed and instincts to a unit that’s been slow to react. His ability to play in space and cover running backs fits perfectly into Eberflus’ hybrid zone-coverage scheme.
With DeMarvion Overshown returning from injury, Dallas could finally roll out a young, fast linebacker core featuring Gray, Overshown, Shemar James, and Marist Liufau—a group that fits the modern NFL’s speed demands.
Financially, the deal works, too. Brock Hoffman is in the final year of his contract, and Terence Steele’s cap hit is climbing after an inconsistent season.
Trading both would open cap flexibility while paving the way for Nate Thomas to step in at right tackle after showing starting-level flashes earlier this year.
The Titans, now focused on developing rookie quarterback Cam Ward, are clearly in a rebuilding phase.
Terence Steele gives Tennessee a proven right tackle to protect Ward, and Brock Hoffman adds depth across the offensive interior. Hoffman’s expiring contract also provides flexibility—either as a short-term starter or cap-free exit after the season.
Most importantly, the 2026 first-round pick from Green Bay provides long-term value. It could help general manager Mike Borgonzi secure a key building block or package it to move up in a future draft.
With Jeffery Simmons’ massive contract on the books and Tennessee’s focus shifting...
