2021 NFL Trade Deadline: 3 defensive ends Dallas Cowboys should target

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Trey Flowers #90 of the Detroit Lions lines up during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Trey Flowers #90 of the Detroit Lions lines up during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
1 of 3
Dallas Cowboys, Trade Deadline
ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 12: Melvin Ingram #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a playoff run and should consider bolstering their pass rush as they look to capitalize on their big start to the season

At 6-1, the Dallas Cowboys are off to a hot start in 2021. They’re playing at an incredibly high level which was on display in Week 8 when Cooper Rush led them to a win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football while Dak Prescott was out with a calf injury.

That that win, the defense once again proved they’re vastly improved from the unit we saw in 2020. Much of that credit goes to Dan Quinn who has been a great addition at defensive coordinator.

He has his players exceeding expectations but it wouldn’t hurt to get him a few more weapons to turn to as the season progresses, especially on the edge. Randy Gregory has been huge for them but he could use some help and we have identified three players who could be added at the trade deadline to strengthen their run toward the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys target No. 3: Melvin Ingram

On the season, Melvin Ingram has just 10 tackles and one sack which makes it seem as though maybe the 32-year old is on the decline. However, the real reason for his low output is the fact that he hasn’t been able to see the field a lot due to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ depth.

For that reason, Ingram has had his name-dropped in a lot of trade rumors. There are also suggestions being thrown around that the Steelers have been fielding calls and while they’re not actively looking for a partner, they’re also not saying no.

Dallas could have an advantage in trade talks with Pittsburgh since it would mean Ingram would be heading out of the conference. Sending him to another AFC team could be a problem should they meet in the playoffs, but Dallas isn’t on the radar right now for the Steelers.

As for the Cowboys, they could use a veteran mentor on that line to help players such as Randy Gregory and Chauncey Golston as they continue to hone their skills at the pro level.