Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been a major disappointment in their first season under new DC Matt Eberflus. What was once the team’s calling card has quickly turned into its biggest liability.
After trading away superstar EDGE Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys’ pass rush and overall intensity have taken a nosedive.
The unit currently ranks near the bottom of the league in both total defense and scoring defense, and opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed clean pockets week after week.
With the trade deadline fast approaching and sitting with a 3-4-1 record, Dallas could look for help to stay in the playoff hunt, and a recent ESPN article by Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler highlighting the top 25 players who could be dealt provides several intriguing fits for a team desperate to stabilize its defense.
Among Bowen and Fowler’s top trade candidates, Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson stands out as a natural fit for the Cowboys.
Cincinnati has been leaning toward younger options at the position, making Wilson available, and his blend of range and coverage ability would immediately upgrade Dallas’ second level.
Wilson has consistently been one of the NFL’s most complete linebackers, capable of reading passing lanes, dropping into zone coverage, and creating turnovers.
With Dallas struggling to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, his presence would bring much-needed balance to Eberflus’ scheme.
Wilson’s arrival would also provide leadership and reliability for a defense that has lacked both since Parsons’ departure.
Instead of relying solely on an unpredictable pass rush, Eberflus could deploy Wilson as a stabilizing force who improves the unit’s communication and consistency.
His ability to handle the middle of the field would help mask the Cowboys’ coverage breakdowns and create a more disciplined identity on defense.
Another name that makes perfect sense for Dallas is cornerback Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints. Bowen and Fowler noted his versatility as a key reason multiple teams have shown interest, including the Cowboys.
Taylor can play both outside and in the slot, a trait that fits perfectly with Eberflus’ need for flexible defensive backs.
The Cowboys’ secondary has been shredded by big plays this season, and their inability to contain opposing receivers in space has cost them several close games.
Taylor’s physicality and agility would allow him to line up against a wide range of receivers, giving Dallas a player capable of handling various coverage responsibilities.
With Eberflus favoring zone-match principles that require quick reads and reactive instincts, Taylor’s skill set would make him an ideal addition.
He would help reduce explosive plays, shore up the slot coverage issues, and allow the Cowboys to move DaRon Bland and (maybe?) Trevon Diggs more strategically across the formation.
A more developmental but equally intriguing option is Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris. Still just 24 years old, Harris offers youth and athleticism that the Cowboys could build around.
He...
