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4 Moves Cowboys Should Make After Trade Deadline

The NFL trade deadline came and passed. With the second half of the season here, here are four moves the Dallas Cowboys must make down the stretch.

By Devon Platana

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) runs for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) runs for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
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3. Bench DT Mazi Smith

The 2024 season was supposed to be a coming-out party for Mazi Smith. The former Michigan defender struggled in his rookie season due to a combination of weight loss and playing in an unfamiliar role. However, the arrival of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was supposed to help the 23-year-old up-and-comer unlock his full potential.

Instead of solidifying his position in the Cowboys' defense, Smith continues to look out of place at the NFL level. He's only registered 11 solo tackles without a sack in his first eight outings and has played to a defense grade of 29.6 on Pro Football Focus — the absolute worst mark among 124 eligible interior defenders.

Even though the Cowboys spent a 2023 first-rounder on him, benching Smith might be the right call at this point. He's incapable of consistently stopping the opposition and is a big reason why Dallas has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.

Continuing to start Smith clearly isn't producing the desired results. At this rate, the coaching staff needs to consider benching him in hopes that it sends a clear message. If Smith wants to be a part of Dallas' defense for years to come, he needs to prove that he belongs.

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