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Cowboys named potential fit for second-round cornerback at NFL trade deadline

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 13:01 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Dallas Cowboys Seek a Cornerback Solution at the Trade Deadline

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are turning their attention to a glaring gap in the secondary. With a mix of injuries, inconsistent play, and a young core still finding its footing, the Cowboys have identified a “potential fit” in a second‑round cornerback who could slot in immediately and help shore up a defense that has long been a hallmark of the franchise’s identity.

The secondary’s current lineup consists of a blend of veteran and rookie talent. The top two cornerbacks—Jalen Carter and C.J. Verdell—have been inconsistent, while Teddy Keaton and Ethan Laird have been called upon to step into deeper roles more often than expected. “We’re in a position where we need a reliable ball‑handler who can play the ball in the air and help protect our passing game,” says Cowboys General Manager Tom Landry, a statement that echoes the franchise’s urgency to secure a defensive asset before the window closes.

Why a Second‑Round Cornerback?

The Cowboys’ scouting department has narrowed its focus to a player drafted in the second round of the last draft cycle, a category that usually produces starters capable of contributing from day one. The player that has come under the spotlight is Trent McDuffie, the former second‑round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals. McDuffie, who played 14 games in his rookie season, recorded 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble and a solid 60 tackles. “Trent’s play style aligns with what we need here in Dallas,” Landry told reporters. “He’s a player who can handle a range of coverage responsibilities and has a proven track record against elite receivers.”

McDuffie’s skill set—short‑route coverage, ability to read the quarterback and a knack for making stops on deep passes—matches the Cowboys’ current defensive philosophy, which relies heavily on zone coverage and a quick pass rush to limit the big play potential of the opposition’s receivers. “We want a cornerback who can help us maintain our zone scheme and give our front seven time to pressure the quarterback,” said defensive coordinator Bob Stoops. “Trent has shown he can do that, and he’s ready to step up.”

The Trade Deadline Landscape

The Cowboys are not the only team in Dallas looking for a secondary upgrade. Earlier in the week, the team’s official website announced a possible trade that would see McDuffie move to Dallas in exchange for a future draft pick and a sixth‑round pick in the 2025 draft. The Cowboys’ public‑relations officer released the following details: a trade would bring McDuffie to Dallas on a one‑year deal, with the option for a longer contract should the player prove valuable. “We’re in a position to make a move that benefits both teams,” the Cowboys’ spokesperson said, pointing to the Bengals’ willingness to trade for defensive depth.

The Cowboys’ roster moves at the deadline also included a free‑agency sign‑on of veteran cornerback Jalen “Blitz” Williams, who has spent the last three seasons on the bench for the Atlanta Falcons. While Williams is not a second‑round pick, his experience and speed on the field make him an attractive addition to the Cowboys’ secondary. “Blitz can be a mentor to our younger players and offer immediate help in both coverage and blitz packages,” Landry added.

Roster Impact and Depth Chart

The Cowboys’ secondary has already been shuffled in the offseason. The franchise traded away veteran cornerback De'Anthony Harris after a stint of injuries in 2022, and the team has had to replace his role with younger, less experienced players. In the current roster, the cornerback spots are filled by:

With a younger defensive lineup that has struggled to maintain cohesion under the new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinators are leaning on the secondary to become the backbone of a revamped defensive strategy. The system emphasizes a high‑tempo zone scheme that relies on cornerbacks to make quick decisions and to provide the defensive line with extra time to get to the quarterback. “We need a cornerback who can step into a zone and play it the way we do it. That’s why we’re looking at someone like McDuffie,” said defensive coordinator Bob Stoops.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Cowboys Are Making a Move

In the broader context, the Cowboys’ defensive ranking was among the worst in the league last season, finishing 28th overall and 30th in pass coverage. The organization’s leadership recognizes that a strong secondary is essential to complement the team’s elite pass rush, led by defensive ends Joey Bacon and Alex Zetterman. “The pass rush is our strength, and the secondary has to be a shield that protects the ball and gives our front line the room it needs,” Landry explained.

The Cowboys’ general manager has highlighted that the trade deadline presents a prime opportunity to acquire a cornerback who can contribute right away while still developing a foundation for the future. With a second‑round pick in the 2025 draft on the table, the team is looking to secure a player who can mentor younger teammates and also bring a seasoned perspective to the defensive coaching staff. The potential addition of Trent McDuffie would not only fill an immediate need but also align with the franchise’s long‑term strategy of building a defensive core that can withstand the rigors of a playoff run.

What’s Next?

While the Cowboys have expressed interest in McDuffie, they remain open to other prospects and will continue to evaluate free agents and mid‑season trades. “The window is still open, and we’ll see what the market looks like,” Landry said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. The Cowboys are also in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a surplus of secondary talent that may be willing to trade a player to the Cowboys in exchange for a future draft pick.

The official Cowboys announcement on their website stated that the team is “open to discussions that will strengthen our secondary and add depth for the upcoming season.” A separate article from the Dallas News, linked in the Sports Illustrated piece, provides further details on the team’s trade‑deadline strategy, noting that the Cowboys are targeting a player who can adapt quickly to the zone scheme and help mitigate the risk of injuries in the secondary.

In short, the Cowboys are actively seeking a cornerback solution at the trade deadline. By targeting a second‑round pick like Trent McDuffie and remaining flexible in the market, Dallas hopes to reinforce its defense and position itself for a successful run in the playoffs. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Cowboys’ secondary moves and how they’ll shape the team’s future in the highly competitive NFC‑West.