3 players the Cowboys could trade before the season

With training camp on the horizon, the Dallas Cowboys are making preparations for another summer in Oxnard, CA. Since minicamp, the Cowboys have made alterations to their roster adding some pieces. That said, the Cowboys still have holes to fill and it’s not too early to think of the future. The Cowboys have several important contracts to attend to after this season and many players up for a new contract will not be extended.

It would be in Dallas’ best interest to acquire as many assets as possible either in draft capital or players that help them. Before the Boys of Summer touchdown in sunny California, here are three players the Cowboys could part with via trade over the next few months.

Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn finds himself in a suddenly crowded running back room. Vaughn has failed to land a spot in the regular rotation of running backs. Vaughn has had his moments in the preseason, but it hasn’t translated to the regular season. He has only produced 70 rushing yards in two professional seasons.

If he’s not involved in the offense, it’s hard to find a place for him. KaVontae Turpin is a special teams maven, so despite being a decent returner, Vaughn won’t get a chance to contribute in that aspect. Rookie running back Jaydon Blue fills a similar role to Vaughn except he has more explosive straight-line speed. Also, Vaughn is a smaller player at 5’6”, 176 lbs. and pass protection has proven challenging for him.

That said, somebody else could see value in what he could bring, especially in the special teams return department. At best, he would net no more than a late-round pick or at worst, a conditional one.

Jalen Brooks

Since adding George Pickens in a trade, the Cowboys have two excellent wide receivers who can stretch the field and make circus catches. Jalen Tolbert also has improved steadily over the last few seasons and made a few big-time plays, like his game-winning touchdown catch versus the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.

While this is good for the Cowboys, this leaves Jalen Brooks in a precarious spot. At one time, he was vying for a chance as the team’s third or fourth receiver. Now, he’s seeing stiff competition to keep his place on the roster. Ryan Flournoy and Jonathan Mingo have flashed throughout OTAs and minicamp. Also, Brooks made some critical errors in the playing time he received. Despite being 25 years old, Brooks needs more time to develop. Unfortunately, time may be running out in Dallas. If he’s not a top-five receiver on the roster, he becomes disposable. Maybe a team that needs a fourth receiver like Brooks would like to make a deal.

Mazi Smith

To whom much is given, much is expected. Sadly, for Mazi Smith, he hasn’t lived up to expectations since being drafted in the first round by the team. The Cowboys still struggle to contain the run up the middle despite Smith’s presence and it’s disappointing given how well Smith anchored the run defense as a collegiate athlete at Michigan.

To make matters worse, Smith doesn’t offer much upside as a pass rusher. The Cowboys they have tried to add more defensive tackles to the roster with Jay Toia, Tommy Akingbestoe, and most recently Perrion Winfrey, in an attempt to solve a longstanding problem. Dallas would be wise to try to recoup some value from Smith before his value decreases further. If Smith has a poor training camp in preseason, a trade could be on the table.