The Cowboys are in a hole and need some defensive upgrades. At this point, even at the midpoint of the season, these additions would be helpful.
Earl Thomas-Safety
Jerry Jones is on record to say that the Cowboys had no interest in Thomas about a month ago, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.
“Jerry Jones said on @1053thefan that the Cowboys haven’t had any discussions with Earl Thomas. “Certainly he’s an outstanding football player. It would be a misleading thing to say we haven’t discussed him. It would be misleading to say that we have.”
At this point, the Cowboys really need an upgrade. The team has the worst defense in the league. Thomas is a Pro Bowl safety. Make the move.
Marcell Dareus-Defensive Tackle
After releasing Dontari Poe this week, the Cowboys need a run stopper. Dareus could be the best available free agent. Dareus is the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and is a former Pro Bowl selection. In 2013 and 2014, Dareus was named to the Pro Bowl, while in 2014 he was a First-Team All-Pro for the Buffalo Bills.
Dareus was moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars halfway through the 2017 season and was a 15-game starter in 2018. Last year, due to elbow and abdominal injuries, he only managed six games. Dareus was scheduled to make nearly $20 million this season, but his option was declined. He remains on the market and should be viewed by the Cowboys as an option.
Eric Reid-Safety
It’s hard to say if Reid would truly be a better fit than Thomas. However, Reid has put up quality numbers in his career, which includes 11 interceptions, 519 tackles, and one Pro Bowl at just the age of 28.
For the same reasons as Thomas, the Cowboys need to make a move and Reid would still be an upgrade over literally anybody.