The Dallas Cowboys made a big splash in trading for wide receiver Amari Cooper. Can they make more waves and go after DeSean Jackson?
The Dallas Cowboys have been rather conservative in recent seasons when it comes to free agency and trades. That’s shifted some in 2018 as they have been more willing to deal. First, they tried to get in on a first-wave free agent signing as they made a play for wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
After that, they were active in trying to acquire Earl Thomas, the disgruntled Seattle Seahawks safety. While that trade never worked out, Dallas was willing to part with a second round pick to secure the veteran’s services.
After Week 7, they finally made their big splash as they made a move for the No. 1 wide receiver they’ve been missing. A first-round pick was sent to the Oakland Raiders for Amari Cooper, and suddenly the offense looks much more respectable.
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They could still make more moves, if they’re continuing to feeling risky. Word broke (via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network) over the weekend that Desean Jackson wants to be traded by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dallas may not be known as the most explosive offense in the NFL, but making such a splash move could change that. While Jackson is set to turn 32 years old this December, he’s still one of the best deep threats in the game.
This season, Jackson has 23 receptions for 526 yards, which is good for an average of 22.9 yards per game.
Of course, the first response out of many will be that Dallas simply can’t pass the ball deep and Jackson would be wasted there. This isn’t necessarily true as quarterback Dak Prescott has shown flashes of hitting the deep ball with players like Brice Butler, Tavon Austin, and Michael Gallup. It’s safe to say none of these players are close to the same league as Jackson.
Adding him and Amari Cooper during their bye week would transform the entire offense. No longer would teams be able to stack the box to stop running back Ezekiel Elliott. There would also be a better chance of Cooper succeeding since teams doubling him could be leaving the burner Jackson running one on one.
Dallas is still in the mix for the NFC East, but another average season will put them on the outside looking in. Head coach Jason Garrett and his staff will find it hard to survive another season of falling short.
Maybe one more splash move could help them avoid that fate. Why not shoot for the moon and say you tried everything you could to be successful?