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Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, has indicated that Dallas is willing to explore trade opportunities as the 2026 season progresses, but only if the right deal arises. The front office is not going to force a move despite the team's defensive struggles.
Dallas already completed what is likely its only major in-season trade by acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers, though additional moves remain possible. The Cowboys may have to accept that no single trade will instantly transform the defense under first-year coordinator Christian Parker, but with the NFC East looking weak this season, the team must do everything it can to win the division and secure a home playoff game.
One name linked to Dallas is Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat, a former Pro Bowler with nearly 90 career starts. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday that a simple condition must be met before a Sweat trade can materialize: the Cowboys need to win more games.
"The Dallas Cowboys have gotta win some games before the deadline," Schefter said. "If they do that Josh Sweat would make sense to the Cowboys."
Dallas enters Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles with a 2-4 record. Given their performance so far, winning more games is easier said than done, making a Sweat trade far from certain if Schefter's assessment holds.
Key Analysis
If the Cowboys were to acquire Sweat, how would he fit? Dallas signed Von Miller during training camp hoping he would spark the pass rush, but Miller has managed just three total tackles in six games. The team also hasn't gotten the expected production from Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Malachi Lawrence before Week 6's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Sweat, meanwhile, has 16 total tackles and two sacks in six starts for Arizona this season, demonstrating he can still make an impact—something Miller has been unable to do at this stage of his legendary career.