The Dallas Cowboys & New England Patriots seem to be the perfect partners in a possible trade that would provide each team with a much-needed player.
Fans and media expect that the Cowboys will add another veteran receiver after Amari Cooper’s departure. This speculation is despite the additions of James Washington, free agent, and Jalen Tolbert, in the third round in the 2022 NFL draft.
While the Patriots met many of their offseason needs, they did not make any significant improvements to the interior defensive line. New England signed Carl Davis, a journeyman DT, to a vet minimum contract. Sam Roberts was drafted by the Patriots as a DT. However, the team also drafted Sam Roberts in the sixth round. The Northwest Missouri State alum was selected in the sixth round as a Project Player.
Both teams are not fully meeting those needs so a trade between Dallas-New England could be the best way to add to them while moving two players who need a change: Cowboys’ DT Trysten Hill, Patriots’ WR N’Keal Harry.
Both were highly-touted college prospects, but they haven’t had the impact that they expected. The teams can trade the two players to address their needs and offload a player who likely won’t be able to play for their team in the future.
It is safe to say neither player lived up to their draft expectations. Hill was the Cowboys’ second-round pick in 2019, while Harry was the final pick of that year’s first round.
Hill has played 18 games in three seasons per PFR. However, Inside the Star provides context for his 2020 season. Hill had a rough season with the staff, but he was able to start five games in 2020 due to injuries. Hill, a former UCF star, showed promise but tore his ACL during Week 5.
Harry is currently playing 33 games, but his performance is not up to the first-round expectations. The former Arizona State star has retrained 57 times for 598 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Harry’s rookie season was cut short by injury in 2019. However, his agent requested a trade last Summer in 2021. New England did not follow this request, so it wasn’t surprising that Harry had another disappointing season in 2021.
Both the Patriots WR and Cowboys DT are still under their rookie contracts so both can make it financially work. New England has $1 million in cap space so they can’t sign a large contract.
The Patriots will have more space by swapping Harry for Hill. Harry will be paid a $1.8million salary in 2022, while Hill will earn $1.16 million. This is not a huge amount of savings, but it can make a difference in whether New England is able to add a veteran elsewhere.
Both Hill and Harry will be signed by NFL teams if they are cut. New England and Dallas can trade to ensure that they have their new additions. They also have the opportunity to get rid of players who don’t see a bright future.