The Dallas Cowboys have become the subject of trade buzz, which is either exciting or nerve-wracking, depending on your confidence in the team's front office.
Decision-makers Jerry and Stephen Jones have been reportedly talking to teams left and right as the first round of the NFL Draft approaches Thursday evening. There's nothing imminent coming down the pipeline, but in the modern NFL, a trade could break at any second.
Many would likely guess that the Cowboys are pursuing offensive contributors, because their offensive depth chart is, well, not very deep. But what if instead of pursuing projected needs, they're going after a star player who is widely known to be available?
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier confirmed last week that his team is open for business on seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is entering the final year of a contract extension.
All of the above background prompted FOX Sports' David Helman to suggest earlier this week that the Cowboys should go after Ramsey, if they aren't already, to stabilize their secondary for a few years to come.
"We know that perennial Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey is available, since the Miami Dolphins have made it known," Helman wrote. "Ramsey turns 31 this year, and he's owed roughly $21 million, but a player of his caliber still likely has several years as a viable starter — at either corner or safety — left ahead of him.
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"It'd also be a hell of a full-circle moment, as the Cowboys famously passed on Ramsey in favor of Ezekiel Elliott during the 2016 NFL Draft, much to Ramsey's chagrin."
Ramsey, 30, is also a three-time first-team All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion with the 2021 Los Angeles Rams. He's got 24 career interceptions in nine seasons, but more importantly, he's never allowed a passer rating of 90 or better when targeted in a single season.
Would the Cowboys not only trade for Ramsey, but extend him as well? It's a bold move when there are lots of needs to address on the other side of the ball, but it's unwise to rule anything out.
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