The Dallas Cowboys are desperately trying to forget about the disastrous 2024 season and get back to winning ways in 2025 under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Last season left a sour taste in Cowboys fans' mouths as the team took a nosedive on both ends of the field, resulting in Mike McCarthy's firing.
While the Cowboys were a disappointment on both sides of the ball, the defense was particularly horrible. After being a top-five defensive unit for two straight seasons, the Cowboys allowed the second-most points of any team in the NFL last season.
Mazi Smith is an Obvious Trade Candidate in Dallas
Injuries obviously played a role in that, but key starters underperforming was also a huge factor. One of those players was defensive tackle Mazi Smith in his second season in Dallas.
After a slow start in his rookie season, the first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, took a step back last season, finishing as one of the worst players at his position, receiving a 34.8 overall defensive grade on PFF.
The Cowboys will understandably look for upgrades at the interior defensive line in the draft. They have ten picks, and they will surely tackle this need early in the draft.
This naturally makes Smith a trade candidate. Recent first-round picks usually have more trade value than their on-field performance may suggest. Considering that the former Michigan standout has two more years under his deal, it's not difficult to imagine a team taking a flyer on him. A team desperate for a defensive tackle could easily see Smith as a worthy reclamation project and give up an early Day 3 pick for him.
If that is the case, Jerry Jones shouldn't waste any time before making that deal. The earlier the team admits its mistake and cuts its losses, the better it sets itself up for the future.