The Dallas Cowboys are staring down a pivotal offseason, with a defense that struggled mightily last year under Matt Eberflus. Enter Christian Parker, tasked with revamping a unit that needs more than just a quick fix. Fortunately, the Cowboys have over $100 million in cap space and two first-round picks to play with.
The Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th picks, and the general consensus is that both will bolster the defense, provided Dallas keeps them. Some speculate about using one of these picks to bring Maxx Crosby to Dallas, while others argue for drafting two players ready to make an immediate impact.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has weighed in with his latest mock draft, offering an intriguing scenario. He suggests the Cowboys stay put at No. 12 and select a cornerback. Then, at No. 20, they could grab an edge rusher, specifically mentioning the dominant performance of Miami's Mesidor, despite his age as a 25-year-old rookie.
But here's where it gets interesting: Jeremiah floats the idea of trading the No. 20 pick to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion. McDuffie is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which means the Cowboys would likely need to extend him. His market value is estimated at $27.2 million annually, with a potential four-year, $111 million contract.
Would the Cowboys entertain such a move? It would certainly strengthen their secondary, but at a steep price. This scenario presents a fascinating decision for Dallas as they look to make their defense formidable once again.