5 Early Cowboys Trade Targets Ahead of 2023 Deadline

3. Zach Ertz

The early returns from the Cowboys' tight end group to begin the season haven't been very impressive. Jake Ferguson has hauled in just 10 of 18 targets, but leads this group with a meager 70 yards. Meanwhile, Peyton Hendershot and Luke Schoonmaker have combined for just 2 receptions and 4 yards over the first three games.

TE is one of the few positions Dallas could use a legitimate veteran upgrade for a Super Bowl run, and Zach Ertz fits the bill.

The three-time Pro Bowler has been reenergized after his move from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Arizona Cardinals. He recorded 56 receptions and 574 yards over the last 11 games of the 2021 campaign, then came out hot again with 47 receptions and 406 yards in 2022 before an ACL tear sidelined him in Week 10.

Ertz has made a full recovery, though, and already slotted right back in as one of Arizona's top weapons, placing second on the team in targets (20) over the first three games of this year.

Though the three-time Pro Bowler is no longer a 1,000-yard threat, he's still a strong asset to any passing attack, especially in the red zone. That's an area Dallas struggled mightily in on Sunday against Ertz's Cardinals.

The Cowboys are lacking a true No. 2 option in the passing game right now with Brandin Cooks' struggles and Michael Gallup's sluggish start. Adding another big-name threat to the mix at tight end would help take some of the pressure off of CeeDee Lamb, who's been forced to carry this unit in the early going.

We all know know how much Dak Prescott loves to target his tight ends, so bringing in Ertz as a Dalton Schultz replacement would be a solid investment.