Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 NFL season with renewed urgency. The need to improve the run defense must be a top priority.
Despite an explosive offense and a fearsome edge rush led by Micah Parsons, the Cowboys finished 29th in run defense in 2024, surrendering over 137 rushing yards per game.
While re-signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was a smart move, the Cowboys can’t rely solely on in-house talent.
With new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus now leading the charge, Dallas must look at the trade market to solidify the interior line and bring stability to the defensive front.
Here are five defensive tackles the Cowboys could target via trade to strengthen their run defense.
1. Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown is a dream target and is one of the league’s premier run-stuffers. His presence would immediately transform the Cowboys’ defensive line.
The 2023 Pro Bowler, a torn meniscus kept him out in 2024, finished with over 100 tackles and consistently commanded double teams, freeing up linebackers to flow to the ball.
The Panthers are rebuilding and may be willing to listen to offers for veterans like Brown in exchange for draft capital.
Pairing him with Odighizuwa would give Dallas one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the NFL.
Trade Cost Estimate: 2026 2nd-round pick + 2026 4th-round pick
2. Grover Stewart – Indianapolis Colts
Grover Stewart is a realistic target and a true nose tackle who excels at clogging running lanes.
He brings size, toughness, and experience—exactly the traits the Cowboys’ defense has lacked on the interior.
With Matt Eberflus now calling plays in Dallas, it’s worth noting that Stewart played under Eberflus during his time as the Colts’ defensive coordinator.
That familiarity could make him an ideal target for the Cowboys’ scheme, which emphasizes discipline and gap integrity.
Trade Cost Estimate: 2025 4th-round pick
3. DJ Reader – Detroit Lions
The Lions added DJ Reader in free agency in 2024, but their depth at defensive tackle, especially with Alim McNeill’s emergence, might make Reader available for the right offer.
He’s a high-level run defender who excels in early downs and short-yardage situations.
Reader fits the mold of a Matt Eberflus-style interior lineman: high motor, strong at the point of attack, and technically sound.
He would help Dallas stop the run on first down and force teams into obvious passing situations.
Trade Cost Estimate: 2026 6th-round pick and Brock Hoffman
4. David Onyemata – Atlanta Falcons
David Onyemata is a realistic trade target, and, after a down year in Atlanta, he was pegged as a cut candidate, but the player cut was Grady Jarrett.
Atlanta, which is still in rebuild mode, could look to acquire draft assets to fill needs across the roster.
Dallas could make the call for Onyemata based off of his run-stopping prowess. He would be the type of player the Cowboys front office looks for as a...
