The Dallas Cowboys' offense is firing on all cylinders under Brian Schottenheimer. The defense, however, hasn't been as good, so to speak. Still, at 3-3-1 after seven weeks, there's still plenty of time to turn things around.
Last week, team owner/GM Jerry Jones said in his weekly radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan that he will look to bolster the defense before the trade deadline. That's why the speculation around their interest in Maxx Crosby is hardly surprising.
"Yours truly and anybody associated with the Cowboys got our eyes really open in ways that we can help this defense, and we certainly don’t want to preclude anything on offense either," Jones said, via Todd Archer of ESPN.
The Cowboys Should go After Jermaine Johnson II
Even so, the Raiders have reportedly let Crosby know that they're not trading him, and he's also happy in Las Vegas. With that in mind, they could set their sights on Jermaine Johnson II, who, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, has drawn some interest around the league:
"The Jets are already getting calls on defensive end Jermaine Johnson and running back Breece Hall," Russini wrote.
Johnson has some obvious ties to the Cowboys. Defensive line coach Aaron Withecotton worked with him during his early career days. Under his tutelage, Johnson broke out for 7.5 sacks in his second season in the league.
The talented pass rusher suffered a season-ending Achilles injury after just two games last season, but he looks healthy and as good as ever this year. He's made four appearances for Aaron Glenn's team, logging 15 total tackles (eight solo), two QB hits, one tackle for loss, one pass defensed, and one sack, after missing time with a calf injury this season.
The Jets are the only winless team in the league, and as much as Coach Glenn has shut down the notion of them being open for business or going through a panic sale, that may not be the case. They won't have much of a choice but to focus on the NFL Draft and cut some players loose, and Johnson would certainly appreciate the opportunity to compete for a playoff spot.
Of course, Johnson is no Crosby, but he might be much easier to get. The Cowboys were also tangled up in rumors for Jaelan Phillips and Trey Hendrickson, but Johnson might be a much more feasible trade candidate, not to mention cheaper.