{"id":231195,"date":"2025-05-04T10:00:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-04T14:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=231195"},"modified":"2025-05-03T17:15:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-03T21:15:40","slug":"dallas-cowboys-bold-moves-three-to-make-and-a-crazy-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/05\/04\/dallas-cowboys-bold-moves-three-to-make-and-a-crazy-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowboys Roster: Nuclear Option &#038; Other Bold Moves Dallas Should Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n<h2>These 3 Bold Moves Could Really Shake Things Up<\/h2>\n<h3>Sign Nick Chubb<\/h3>\n<p>Of all the bold moves discussed here, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/DezBryant\/status\/1917048942853849106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1917048942853849106%7Ctwgr%5E5deadb894a9528ae9dd541eaaf02dbce5e8744a1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnfl%2Fcowboys%2Fnews%2Fcowboys-legend-urges-dallas-sign-former-all-pro-running-back-nick-chubb\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">signing Nick Chubb<\/a> is the most realistic\u2014and it is one Dallas should seriously consider. The Cowboys need a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/29\/dallas-cowboys-three-glaring-needs-after-the-2025-nfl-draft\/\" target=\"_self\">load-bearing back:<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, he is coming off the worst year of his career. He suffered another knee injury in 2023, and he\u2019s approaching 30\u2014the cliff for running backs (unless you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/02\/25\/derrick-henry-baltimore-ravens-running-back-dynasty-outlook\/\" target=\"_self\">Derrick Henry<\/a>). 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\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/drrichardcunningham.com\/famous-acl-injuries\/#:~:text=He%20is%20considered%20one%20of%20the%20greatest,on%20to%20receive%20the%20NFL%20MVP%20Award.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Peterson<\/a>). On top of that, Cleveland had the worst quarterback situation last year, and their offensive line was decimated by injuries and constant rotation.<\/p>\n<p>Chubb\u2019s season ended with a broken foot, and his 3.3 yards per carry was by far the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/C\/ChubNi00.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">worst of his career<\/a>. 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\u2019s been in years. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Taking a flier on Chubb wouldn\u2019t cost much, and he is eager to prove that his career <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DIcPCaHPx2v\/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">isn\u2019t over<\/a> yet. A physical early-down runner who can eat up carries and create opportunities for complementary backs would be a welcome addition.<\/p>\n<h3>Sign Asante Samuel Jr.<\/h3>\n<p>Another chronically injured defensive back?! That\u2019s the suggestion?! Yes, that is the suggestion. Dallas still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6211392\/2025\/03\/18\/cowboys-free-agency-potential-targets-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">needs help<\/a> at corner. Badly. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/08\/02\/trevon-diggs-pivotal-piece-dallas-cowboys-defense\/\" target=\"_self\">Trevon Diggs<\/a> is coming off another knee surgery, and there are questions about how <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/article\/cowboys-jerry-jones-takes-brutal-032700514.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">committed he was to rehab<\/a>\u00a0the first time around. He\u2019s also likely to start the year on the PUP list. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/10\/breaking-10-interception-cornerback-signs-contract-with-jacksonville-jaguars\/\" target=\"_self\">Jourdan Lewis<\/a>, a stalwart at nickel, walked in free agency. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/11\/27\/turkeys-in-the-kettle-dallas-best-performers-from-thanksgivings-45-10-win-that-arent-daron-bland\/\" target=\"_self\">DaRon Bland<\/a> is entering the final year of his deal. Oh\u2014and four other corners ended their season on IR: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/04\/26\/josh-ball-2021-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Josh Butler<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/03\/22\/amani-oruwariye-2019-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Amani Oruwariye<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/02\/28\/dallas-cowboys-cornerbacks-free-agents-2025\/\" target=\"_self\">Kemon Hall<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/09\/14\/caelen-carson-against-saints\/\" target=\"_self\">Caelen Carson<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/18\/asante-samuel-jr-visits-the-arizona-cardinals\/\" target=\"_self\">Asante Samuel<\/a> missed most of the \u201924 season with a shoulder injury, and reports suggest he\u2019s also dealing with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6056710\/2025\/01\/12\/chargers-playoff-loss-khalil-mack-retirement\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lingering neck issues<\/a>. But he\u2019s 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\u2019s not a guaranteed fix\u2014but that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>The Cowboys can\u2019t 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\u2019s the kind of swing that could quietly pay off in a big way. Dallas passed on Samuel in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/years\/2021\/draft.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2021 draft<\/a> in favor of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/04\/18\/kelvin-joseph-2021-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Kelvin Joseph<\/a>\u2014oops! They have a shot to make up for that, and this time, they can do it at a discount.<\/p>\n<h3>Trade for Tyreek Hill<\/h3>\n<p>Okay. Now this is a swing. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/12\/tyreek-hill-trade-rumors-2\/\" target=\"_self\">Tyreek Hill<\/a> is not technically available\u2014the Dolphins say they\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43323163\/dolphins-gm-tyreek-hill-ask-trade-meeting\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">not shopping him<\/a>\u2014and 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<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/12\/30\/cowboys-offense-without-ceedee-lamb\/\" target=\"_self\"> CeeDee Lamb<\/a> and would instantly transform the Cowboys&#8217; offense.<\/p>\n<p>There are nothing but question marks behind Lamb. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/09\/17\/jalen-tolbert-saints-loss-potential\/\" target=\"_self\">Jalen Tolbert<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/04\/23\/ryan-flournoy-2024-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Ryan Flournoy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/29\/dallas-cowboys-three-glaring-needs-after-the-2025-nfl-draft\/\" target=\"_self\">Jalen Brooks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/08\/jonathan-mingo-cowboys-future\/\" target=\"_self\">Jonathan Mingo<\/a>\u2014these guys are all best suited as third options at best. Bringing in Hill wouldn\u2019t just take pressure off Lamb and almost eliminate double-coverage. It would open up the entire field for everyone else.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/miami\/news\/911-call-highlights-tensions-in-tyreek-hill-domestic-dispute-im-so-scared\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">off-the-field controversies<\/a> that can\u2019t be ignored. The Dolphins&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, I have to do what\u2019s best for me and my family. If that\u2019s here or wherever the case may be, Hill told reporters. \u201cI\u2019m opening the door. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/OmarKelly\/status\/1876074760825897169\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">I\u2019m out<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He has since walked that back, claiming frustration got the better of him\u2014fair. But if things deteriorate further, or the Dolphins start slow, a trade might be increasingly likely.<\/p>\n<p>Why would Dallas do it?<\/p>\n<p>For Dallas, it\u2019s simple. Hill changes your offense overnight. Ryen Russillo of The Ringer has referred to Hill as \u201cthe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/bengals\/allbengals-insiders-plus\/ryen-russillo-on-jamarr-chase-i-like-him-more-than-any-receiver-in-the-nfl\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Steph Curry of football<\/a>\u201d\u2014a guy defenses have to account for on every snap. Lose him for a split-second, and he\u2019s behind the defense and in the end zone. He\u2019d bring instant football credibility to a middling offense that lacked any real juice last year.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, the trade cost would be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/sports\/nfl\/2025\/04\/15\/dolphins-tyreek-hill-trade-chris-grier\/83100177007\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">steep<\/a>\u2014Dolphins GM Chris Grier has suggested it would take two first-round picks. But Hill is a distressed asset, and we\u2019ve 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 \u201call in,\u201d this is what that looks like.<\/p>\n<h3>Trade Dak Prescott<\/h3>\n<p>Trading <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/04\/cowboys-trade-rumors-dak-prescott-brandin-cooks\/\" target=\"_self\">Dak Prescott<\/a> would be a shock&#8211;but not as insane as it might sound.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statmuse.com\/nfl\/ask\/dak-prescott-career-win-loss-record-each-year\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">multiply double-digit<\/a> win seasons, but hasn\u2019t gotten it done when it matters most. He\u2019s a good quarterback\u2014sometimes a great one\u2014but he\u2019s also become one of the most <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@eddiesunday21\/dak-prescott-the-sports-hero-america-needs-150d26cff376#:~:text=Dak%20is%20a%20polarizing%20figure%20amongst%20football,and%20comes%20up%20small%20in%20big%20games.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">polarizing figures<\/a> in the Cowboys fan base. For every supporter who praises his leadership and toughness, there\u2019s another who sees a guy who shrinks in the biggest moments.<\/p>\n<p>And let\u2019s be honest\u2014the front office isn\u2019t exactly acting like they\u2019re all-in on Prescott either. Dallas waited until mere <a href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Sports\/sources-dak-prescott-cowboys-agree-record-240m-deal\/story?id=113497659#:~:text=The%20Dallas%20Cowboys%20and%20Dak%20Prescott%20have,through%20the%202028%20season%2C%20sources%20told%20ESPN.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hours before<\/a> 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\u2026what\u2019s stopping them from at least exploring trade options now?<\/p>\n<p>How realistic is it?<\/p>\n<p>Of course, it would be difficult. His average annual salary is massive, and he has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41224708\/dak-prescott-contract-extension-dallas-cowboys-jerry-jones\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">no-trade clause<\/a>. But players will waive those for the right opportunity, or if they feel the organization isn\u2019t 100% in on them. There are always quarterback-needy organizations, and you can\u2019t tell me there aren\u2019t teams that wouldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<p>In a sports world where Luka Doncic\u2014the Prince of Dallas\u2014got traded in the middle of the night for pennies on the dollar, nothing is out of the question. Trading Prescott wouldn\u2019t just be a shock to the system\u2014it would be the boldest move the Cowboys have made since the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rYs_p1kT2jQ\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Herschel Walker trade<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Drastic Measures May Be Cowboys&#8217; Best Hope<\/h3>\n<p>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\u2014and maybe more realistic.<\/p>\n<p>Either way, the Cowboys can\u2019t afford to keep playing the same hand and expecting different results. That\u2019s not strategy\u2014that\u2019s insanity. For years, they\u2019ve clung to the draft-and-develop model, avoided splashy signings, and played things safe. It hasn\u2019t worked. Maybe it\u2019s time to try something different.<\/p>\n<p>Some of these bold moves might seem wild. One is borderline insane. But standing still? That\u2019s the real gamble. And at this stage of the Jerry Jones era, it\u2019s one the Cowboys can\u2019t afford to keep making.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main Photo: Brett Davis-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Cowboys Are Stagnant, And They Need Action. Here Are Three Bold Moves (And One Crazy Idea) They Should Actually Consider.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5534,"featured_media":231328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19,36],"tags":[5801,302,49,3584,297],"class_list":["post-231195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cowboys","category-nfl-news","tag-ceedee-lamb","tag-dak-prescott","tag-dallas-cowboys","tag-nick-chubb","tag-tyreek-hill"],"modified_by":"Josh Buckhalter","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5534"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=231195"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":231329,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231195\/revisions\/231329"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/231328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=231195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=231195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=231195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}