Cowboys mailbag: Players Dallas could possibly trade in the offseason for draft picks

Every week, we take questions on X (Twitter) and Facebook about Dallas Cowboys players and other issues surrounding the team. So let’s get right into it.

If it comes down to trading talent for draft picks to rebuild. Which 2 or 3 players do you trade?
(@rudyvil55541787 on Twitter)
Mike: You have to look at who’s underperforming this season and has some value. Terence Steele is the first guy on that list, the issue is his $16 million average a year salary, that could be a hard sell. Donovan Wilson could be an interesting trade. To get something for him knowing Dallas has depth at the position would be a good move. Deuce Vaughn is a name we’ve heard very little. He may not offer a great amount in trade value but he could help Dallas move up a few picks in later rounds to get a better player.

People want to trade Micah Parsons and ok, I get the premise and feelings here. But Parsons is wildly productive at one of the most important positions to fill. He comes back after missing weeks with injury and shows off those skills sacking Jalen Hurts twice and causing a fumble. You cannot give that away.

Dana: Since the trade deadline for 2024 has passed, the next trading period begins in March after the 2024 contracts expire. The Cowboys have a lot of players that will be free agents come 2025, making them unavailable for a trade. With the guys remaining, I prefer to keep the stars and build around them. For trade options, look to get some value from players who just haven’t been able to reach their potential in Dallas. Players like Luke Schoonmaker, Mazi Smith, and Terence Steele come to mind when. Those types of trades wouldn’t bring in very high draft picks, probably getting the most value out of a Steele trade than the others.

If Cooper Rush has another game like this last one would you guys be inclined to at least give Lance a tryout or just suck it up for the remainder of the season?
(@Stevebm747 on Twitter)
Mike: Rush has the coach’s respect at this point based on his history holding the fort for this franchise. How long or short that leash is on Mike McCarthy and his decisions, but you do have to wonder if Rush plays as badly as he did last week whether McCarthy’s decisions get made for him. The passing wasn’t great from Rush, but the turnover are the biggest concern. If Rush has another nightmare game like that then expect Lance to be the starter.

Dana: Even if Cooper Rush doesn’t have another game like last one, I would be inclined to give Lance a tryout. With the Cowboys five games behind second place in the division, it is unlikely that the Cowboys will be able to make a run for the playoffs. The Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to acquire Lance, and it will be one final test to see if he shows potential to possibly keep him around as a QB2 going forward. Now, starting Lance could run the risk of other teams pursuing him in free agency, but that’s a risk I’d take at the moment. Rush has been a serviceable backup but the team already knows what they have in Rush. Let’s find out for certain what they have in Lance.

Is Cooper Rush going to be QB1 next week?
(@Riley Braggington on Facebook)
Mike: Simple answer here, yep. McCarthy stated in a press conference this week that Rush is going to be the starter. What was also stated by McCarthy was how he felt they didn’t do enough to help Rush or to help him get in rhythm. That being the case that can only mean they are going to patient with Rush to help him find his groove.

Dana: Yes. The fans have been pretty vocal about wanting to see what Trey Lance can do the rest of the season and the Cowboys added Will Grier to the practice squad as another potential option. However, Mike McCarthy has confirmed that the plan for this week is to start Cooper Rush against the Texans on MNF. In interviews this week, both McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer reiterated that while Rush’s performance against the Eagles was underwhelming, the blame spreads across the entire offense and everyone needs to play better. One caveat here is that Rush did pop up on the injury report with a neck issue. That will be something to monitor as the game gets closer. Assuming he is healthy, Rush and the offense will have another chance this week. However, McCarthy may be a bit quicker to make the change if things do not start out well.