The Dallas Cowboys have been quiet in the offseason yet again. A solid but uninspiring NFL Draft, no major free-agent signings, and no blockbuster trades. Just relative silence—and a fan base growing more disgruntled by the day. For a team that desperately needs to take bold steps forward, the lack of activity is glaring. These bold moves could be what it takes to shake things up.
These 3 Bold Moves Could Really Shake Things Up
Sign Nick Chubb
Of all the bold moves discussed here, signing Nick Chubb is the most realistic—and it is one Dallas should seriously consider. The Cowboys need a load-bearing back: someone who can handle volume and free up a guy like Jaydon Blue to be effective as a change-of-pace option. Chubb could be that guy in 2025.
Yes, he is coming off the worst year of his career. He suffered another knee injury in 2023, and he’s approaching 30—the cliff for running backs (unless you’re Derrick Henry). However, consider that he was in his first season back from a devastating injury. History shows that the second season back is usually when elite runners resemble their old selves (unless you’re Adrian Peterson). On top of that, Cleveland had the worst quarterback situation last year, and their offensive line was decimated by injuries and constant rotation.
Chubb’s season ended with a broken foot, and his 3.3 yards per carry was by far the worst of his career. But he has only carried the ball 130 times the last two years, and you could argue that his body is as fresh as it’s been in years. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Taking a flier on Chubb wouldn’t cost much, and he is eager to prove that his career isn’t over yet. A physical early-down runner who can eat up carries and create opportunities for complementary backs would be a welcome addition.
Sign Asante Samuel Jr.
Another chronically injured defensive back?! That’s the suggestion?! Yes, that is the suggestion. Dallas still needs help at corner. Badly. Trevon Diggs is coming off another knee surgery, and there are questions about how committed he was to rehab the first time around. He’s also likely to start the year on the PUP list. Jourdan Lewis, a stalwart at nickel, walked in free agency. DaRon Bland is entering the final year of his deal. Oh—and four other corners ended their season on IR: Josh Butler, Amani Oruwariye, Kemon Hall, and Caelen Carson.
Asante Samuel missed most of the ’24 season with a shoulder injury, and reports suggest he’s also dealing with lingering neck issues. But he’s just 25 years old and has tremendous football IQ. He is a proven starter who brings physicality and ball-hawking instincts that once made him one of the most promising young corners in the league. He’s not a guaranteed fix—but that’s the point. A one-year deal for a high-upside player like Samuel is exactly the kind of calculated risk that Dallas should be taking right now.
The Cowboys can’t roll into training camp with hopes and prayers at a key position like corner. They need competition. They need depth. Signing Samuel certainly comes with risk, but it’s the kind of swing that could quietly pay off in a big way. Dallas passed on Samuel in the 2021 draft in favor of Kelvin Joseph—oops! They have a shot to make up for that, and this time, they can do it at a discount.
Trade for Tyreek Hill
Okay. Now this is a swing. Tyreek Hill is not technically available—the Dolphins say they’re not shopping him—and squeezing him in contract-wise would be difficult. But Hill is a field-tilting difference-maker and the kind of splash move Cowboys fans have been clamoring for. He would be a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb and would instantly transform the Cowboys’ offense.
There are nothing but question marks behind Lamb. Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Brooks, Jonathan Mingo—these guys are all best suited as third options at best. Bringing in Hill wouldn’t just take pressure off Lamb and almost eliminate double-coverage. It would open up the entire field for everyone else.
Now, why would Miami even consider it? For starters, Hill is 31 and coming off his worst season since 2019. He battled injuries all year and carries a history of off-the-field controversies that can’t be ignored. The Dolphins’ 2024 season ended unceremoniously with an embarrassing 32-20 loss to the Jets, and Hill was asked after the game what his message to the team would be heading into the offseason.
“For me, I have to do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, Hill told reporters. “I’m opening the door. I’m out.”
He has since walked that back, claiming frustration got the better of him—fair. But if things deteriorate further, or the Dolphins start slow, a trade might be increasingly likely.
Why would Dallas do it?
For Dallas, it’s simple. Hill changes your offense overnight. Ryen Russillo of The Ringer has referred to Hill as “the Steph Curry of football”—a guy defenses have to account for on every snap. Lose him for a split-second, and he’s behind the defense and in the end zone. He’d bring instant football credibility to a middling offense that lacked any real juice last year.
Yes, the trade cost would be steep—Dolphins GM Chris Grier has suggested it would take two first-round picks. But Hill is a distressed asset, and we’ve seen teams take far less than market value to get off a player they no longer want. It would also be a gamble on an aging receiver whose best years may be behind him. But pairing Hill with Lamb would give Dallas one of the most dangerous receiving duos in football. If the Cowboys are serious about turning heads, this is one of those moves that fans would remember. And if Jerry Jones is really “all in,” this is what that looks like.
Trade Dak Prescott
Trading Dak Prescott would be a shock–but not as insane as it might sound.
Here are the facts: Prescott is on the wrong side of 30 and is developing a lengthy injury history. He has led the team to multiply double-digit win seasons, but hasn’t gotten it done when it matters most. He’s a good quarterback—sometimes a great one—but he’s also become one of the most polarizing figures in the Cowboys fan base. For every supporter who praises his leadership and toughness, there’s another who sees a guy who shrinks in the biggest moments.
And let’s be honest—the front office isn’t exactly acting like they’re all-in on Prescott either. Dallas waited until mere hours before their 2024 season opener to agree to contract terms (four years, $240 million), and for most of the previous offseason, it looked like he might hit free agency. So if the team was that hesitant to commit before…what’s stopping them from at least exploring trade options now?
How realistic is it?
Of course, it would be difficult. His average annual salary is massive, and he has a no-trade clause. But players will waive those for the right opportunity, or if they feel the organization isn’t 100% in on them. There are always quarterback-needy organizations, and you can’t tell me there aren’t teams that wouldn’t at least have the meeting. Dallas could potentially get serious draft capital in return and reset the roster while it still has young foundational pieces in place.
In a sports world where Luka Doncic—the Prince of Dallas—got traded in the middle of the night for pennies on the dollar, nothing is out of the question. Trading Prescott wouldn’t just be a shock to the system—it would be the boldest move the Cowboys have made since the Herschel Walker trade.
Drastic Measures May Be Cowboys’ Best Hope
Prescott has become a barometer for how fans view this team. Those who recoiled probably believe Dallas is close to winning a title. Those who nodded along are likely more skeptical—and maybe more realistic.
Either way, the Cowboys can’t afford to keep playing the same hand and expecting different results. That’s not strategy—that’s insanity. For years, they’ve clung to the draft-and-develop model, avoided splashy signings, and played things safe. It hasn’t worked. Maybe it’s time to try something different.
Some of these bold moves might seem wild. One is borderline insane. But standing still? That’s the real gamble. And at this stage of the Jerry Jones era, it’s one the Cowboys can’t afford to keep making.
Main Photo: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
