The Cowboys’ secret wish list at the trade deadline just leaked — and a familiar All-Pro name is suddenly back in play.QQ

The Dallas Cowboys need to improve the defense. Here are seven trade targets who could make it happen.

At 3-3-1, the Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of defensive relief, and their best chance to get it is via trade before the Nov. 4 deadline. With the way Dak Prescott and the offense are playing, it would be inexcusable not to attempt to upgrade the 30th defense per EPA/play in the NFL.

Specifically, I believe they should be looking at linebackers and edge rushers, even with DeMarvion Overshown’s expected Week 11 return. Let’s dive into seven trade targets I believe make sense for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys lose on the road to the PanthersThe Cowboys lose on the road to the Panthers

LB Jamal Adams, Las Vegas Raiders

• Difficulty of trade: Low

Talk about a blast from the past. At the 2019 trade deadline, the Cowboys were ready to give up a first-round draft pick for then-New York Jets safety Jamal Adams. A trade never materialized as the Jets wanted more. One year later, Adams went viral for saying he was “trying” to get to Dallas. What about making it work in 2025?

Adams — who now plays linebacker — isn’t nearly as costly at 30. And he fits what the Cowboys need: Better coverage at linebacker. He could be a hybrid linebacker-big nickel type player like he’s been in Las Vegas.

Among linebackers, he’s top 10 per PFF’s coverage grade. His six yards per catch allowed is the 12th best in the league. He’s also been a successful blitzer in limited opportunities and could provide a good opportunity to manufacture pressure. Adams may not be the game-changer that will fix the Cowboys’ defense, but he would be an upgrade for LB/nickel depth at worst and a significant role player at best.

LB Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints

• Difficulty of trade: Low

Davis would be my top target. The Saints aren’t going anywhere in 2025, and even though Davis has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL over the last seven years, he’s 36 and could be playing his last season. I wouldn’t be surprised if New Orleans does right by him if he wants out.

And the thing is, he might be the perfect linebacker for the Cowboys. He could step in as the Cowboys’ middle linebacker, and pairing him with Overshown, Matt Eberflus could have the exact duo of linebackers he needs. Davis wouldn’t do much to address Dallas’ struggles in coverage, but at least he’d give them an elite run-stopper. Right now, Davis remains one of the best run defenders in the league, with 24 stops, the seventh-most per PFF.

EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins

• Difficulty of trade: High

The Cowboys are still the worst third-down defense in the NFL, allowing a 52% conversion rate through seven weeks. How do you improve that? Quarterback pressure. Phillips is a top 25 edge rusher in pressures, pass rush win rate, and other key metrics. Though not a game-wrecking star, he would be the best pass rusher in Dallas the second he joins the team.

Moreover, he’s a talented player showing some of his best football in one of his healthiest seasons. I’m not so sure Miami would be willing to give him up, and plenty of interest is expected around the league. That’s a bad combination for the Cowboys’ front office.

“Philips will be a top target for buyers at the deadline, looking for an upgrade at edge. If he can stay healthy, his best football still seems to be in front of him. And due to the low sack numbers this year and a past history of leg injuries, the trade price would probably be less than a lot of other bigger-name players mentioned around the league.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

• Difficulty of trade: High

After the big Joe Flacco game last Thursday night, who knows if the Bengals will be willing to sell their lone defensive anchor? But if they are willing to listen to offers, the Cowboys should be all over it. Hendrickson remains one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league. He consistently produces for Cincinnati and is a solid run defender as well.

There’s no other trade target that would make a bigger impact on the Cowboys than Hendrickson. Acquiring him would likely imply giving up at least a second-round draft pick. Not only that, but competition will be fierce.

“The San Francisco 49ers lost Nick Bosa to a season-ending injury, the Philadelphia Eagles lost Za’Darius Smith to retirement, and the Indianapolis Colts were one of, if not the most aggressive, teams this offseason in trying to trade for the 2024 sack leader.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

LB Devin Bush, Cleveland Browns

• Difficulty of trade: Low

Bush is, in my opinion, the most underrated Cowboys’ trade target there is. Even with DeMarvion Overshown targeting a Week 11 return, Dallas needs to upgrade its linebacker room. Bush would cost very little — a Day 3 late pick swap would do it, per Browns expert Brandon Little — and he’s been a solid run stopper for the Browns. Plus, he hasn’t been a liability in coverage.

“A major injury earlier in his career impacted the player he’s become, but this season Bush has proven to be a strong run-stopper with the ability to cover when needed. While not the fastest linebacker, he plays with aggression and physicality and can be a force behind a stout defensive line. Missed tackles happen at times with bad angles, but he’s a player you can trust in the middle of the field.” – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland

LB Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

• Difficulty of trade: Very high

I don’t see this happening, even though I’d love to. Smith is halfway through a five-year, $100 million contract. The Ravens like him and would probably request a hefty compensation package starting with a second-round draft pick. That’s a perfect combination to drive Jerry Jones away.

But Smith is returning from a hamstring injury, and if the 1-5 Ravens keep losing, they could be sellers.