Cowboys Solve Money Problems in Record-Setting Trade

Through a potential blockbuster transaction, the Dallas Cowboys are able to improve their financial position.
Since the conclusion of their season in January, the Dallas Cowboys have been a hot topic of conversation. They finished 12-5 and earned the second seed in the NFC, but the Green Bay Packers destroyed them in the opening round.

The Cowboys have been spoken about a lot since then, but not for the right reasons. Jerry Jones claimed the team will be aggressive in assembling a squad capable of winning a Super Bowl, but their lack of action proved that to be untrue.

Furthermore, none of the Cowboys’ top players—Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, or Micah Parsons—have received extensions this offseason. As a result, there is ongoing tension on the team.

The news across the league has been quiet because teams are enjoying a break until training camp begins next month. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report published a piece speculating on potential three-team transactions that would upend the league.

The following is the breakdown of the contract involving the Dallas Cowboys, who were on the list:

Arizona Cardinals: WR Brandin Cooks, Detroit Lions 2025 fifth-round pick, Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 third-round pick
Dallas Cowboys: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, RB Craig Reynolds, QB Hendon Hooker, Lions 2026 third-round pick
Detroit Lions: S Budda Baker

In this proposed deal, the Cowboys free up $8 million in cap space by dishing out Brandin Cooks. In exchange, they got Donovan Peoples-Jones, Craig Reynolds, and Hendon Hooker who combined for a total of $4 million against the cap in 2024.

As for Cooks, he was solid for the Cowboys in 2023, logging 657 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Despite those stats, he isn’t untouchable, especially with Dallas’ cap limitations ($10.1 million available).

If they did make this move, they would have around $14-15 million to work with as they are actively negotiating extensions for either Lamb, Prescott, or Parsons.

Lamb is the most likely one to be extended first so this extra cash would give Dallas more wiggle room at the negotiating table.

In addition, they would add low-cost playmakers to positions of need. Peoples-Jones was dealing with injuries over the past two years but when he’s healthy, he can be productive. He’s logged 122 catches for 1,895 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns across five seasons.

Reynolds, on the other hand, would be a tailback with change of pace who can also catch passes coming out of the backfield.

Additionally, Hooker—who has potential but is relegated to the bench behind Goff—would be acquired by Dallas. Prescott and Trey Lance might not be around in 2025, in which case Hooker will offer some much-needed insurance.

Getting a third-round pick in 2026 along with additional draft money would be the icing on the cake.
If such an opportunity ever came up, it would be difficult for the Cowboys to pass it up. It’s not my fault, either.