The trade deadline will be here before we know it and ESPN believes the Cowboys could snag this safety.
The deadline is scheduled for November 3rd, so the team has some time to swing a few deals. The Cowboys are known for making big splashes the last couple of years. Two years ago, the Cowboys landed Amari Cooper, while last season the team traded for Michael Bennett.
In 2020, ESPN outlined ideas for every team and Bill Barnwell believes that the Cowboys could send a 2021 second-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for safety Justin Simmons.
Barnwell laid out that the Cowboys are not interested in signing free agent safety Earl Thomas, but do need an upgrade at the position. Having lost Dak Prescott, the team has an uphill battle towards winning the NFC East.
At 2-3 the Cowboys lead the worst-ranked division. When it comes to making the playoffs, nobody cares about the record. They care about just qualifying and catching lightning in a bottle.
The Broncos could hold out for a Jamal Adams-like package but that is not realistic. Adams had two years left on his deal, while Simmons is playing on his first franchise tag. The former Boston College product could make $13.7 million on his next franchise tag.
Barnwell also outlined that owner Jerry Jones has an interest in trading for young players and Simmons fits that profile. Plus, he’s pretty productive. As of Week 6, PFF ranks him as the sixth-best safety in the league.
For what it’s worth, it could be worth the price. Throw in the mix that Leighton Vander Esch and Randy Gregory are turning, this defense could literally start from the bottom and surge towards the top.