6 Expiring Contracts The Dallas Cowboys Must Trade By Deadline

The 2024 season went from bad to worse this weekend when Dallas Cowboys lost the third game in a row.

This time they lost to the Atlanta Falcons 27–21.. As with San Francisco the previous week, this result is misleading. Dallas never had a chance on this occasion, and a late pass from substitute Cooper Rush injured Dak Prescottmade the score more respectable.

MORE: Dak Prescott reacts brutally to Dallas Cowboys’ latest loss

Now sitting at 3-5 and flirting with last place in the NFC East, the Cowboys need to continue this season. They have too many holes in their roster and instead of fighting for a playoff spot with a subpar team, they need to add capital to rebuild. That’s why they should look to offload these six players by the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline.

Added shortly before the start of the regular season, Linval Joseph was brought to get mileage. He played more than they would have liked, thanks to the efforts of Mazi Smith, and had 11 tackles and one sack. Joseph is 36 years old and has never been a long-term answer, but some team in need of a power tackle might be interested.

Underrated guard Jourdan Lewis is in his eighth season in Dallas. He has 32 tackles and three pass defenses while primarily playing in the slot. He thrives in that role and could be the missing link for a team destined to make the postseason.

There was a time when Trey Lance was considered a potential starter. There were even rumors that the Cowboys brought him in to put pressure on Dak Prescott while he negotiated a new deal. Then we played pre-season and it was a disaster.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons: Player of the Week 9

Now Dallas is being ridiculed for sending the 49ers a fourth-round pick that could have been used to add a decent running back. They can’t go back in time, but perhaps a team desperate for a QB would be willing to give up a late-round pick. Tennessee and Carolina could be potential landing spots, but at this point the Cowboys should be willing to take anything.

Dallas didn’t do much this offseason, but they did make one good move by signing Eric Kendricks. The 10-year pro has 70 tackles, two sacks and an interception for the Cowboys and has been one of the few bright spots this year. It could also bring some interest to the trade bloc. Moving him won’t be easy, but it will give the team’s younger midfielders more options, which could prove beneficial in the long run.

Even before the season ended, it seemed unlikely that Osa Odighizuwa would return in 2025. The third-round pick from UCLA has proven to be a reliable starter, even if he isn’t explosive. This would lead to a decent contract this offseason, but Dallas will oppose it. Instead of just letting him go, they could have sent him to the pick on the third day.

Of all the players on expiring contracts, none would return as often as Zack Martin. Even with speculation that he could retire at the end of the year, Martin could return a decent pick at the trade deadline. One possible landing spot worth considering is Houston, where the Texans need to do something with their porous offensive line.

The addition of Martin will give C.J. Stroud more protection and give them a chance to make the playoffs. It wouldn’t be easy to see Martin go, but he deserves better than what this team showed in 2024.

— Enjoy free Cowboys coverage from the Dallas Cowboys on SI. —

4 Takeaways from the Cowboys’ Horrible Loss to the Falcons

3 winners and 5 losers following the Cowboys’ Week 9 loss to the Falcons.

Cowboys vs. Falcons Plays and Highlights, Week 9

Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons: Player of the Week 9

Dak Prescott reacts brutally to Dallas Cowboys’ latest loss

Meet Abby Summers: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie