The Dallas Cowboys have an elite defense. That much has become very obvious through five weeks into the 2022 NFL season.

Micah Parsons is a game-breaker. Trevon Diggs continues to develop into a top-tier cornerback. The defense as a whole is playing lights out with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn calling the shots.

There are not a ton of weaknesses on that side of the ball for the Cowboys. Dorance Armstrong and others have emerged in the trenches. Leighton Vander Esch is playing good football at linebacker. The secondary has flashed high level play, too.

Still, there might be a way for the Cowboys to get even better on defense. That is thanks to the latest NFL news that could have an impact on the league ahead of the trade deadline in less than a month.

Opportunity for Cowboys to bolster defense

The Carolina Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule on Monday, right after the Panthers lost to the San Francisco 49ers by 22 points on Sunday. Carolina is moving forward with a change.

That has perhaps opened the door for teams around the league to make a move. Carolina will be likely be looking to rebuild with draft picks for the next regime. Therefore, expect the Panthers to receive trade offers involving draft capital for some of their best players.

Teams will now be calling the Panthers trying to trade for some of their players as they hope Carolina will look to stockpile picks as they rebuild

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 10, 2022

For Dallas, there are a couple of different players on the Panthers that come to mind. Would Carolina want to part ways with DJ Moore? Perhaps, but doubtful. 2021 second-rounder Terrace Marshall Jr. is another pass catcher that teams will likely inquire about.

Defense, however, is where the Panthers shined. And there is talent to be had. Star pass rusher Brian Burns and emerging corner Jaycee Horn are likely off the table, but the Panthers should look into parting ways with other contributors.

If the Panthers are tanking and it seems like they are….

The #Cowboys should trade for Derrick Brown.

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 10, 2022

Defensive tackle Derrick Brown would be an intriguing option for the Cowboys to target. The 2021 first-rounder has flashed in his career and would potentially provide Dallas with a force in the interior, should Dallas make that kind of deal.

Brown, who is in his third season of his rookie deal, is playing well this season. He has flashed the first-round talent that he displayed in college. He is the kind of player that could help put the Cowboys over the top.

Dallas does not necessarily need to make a move like this. The defense is playing great and multiple linemen have stepped up. However, the firing opens the door for the Dallas Cowboys to make a big splash and bolster an already elite unit.

Featured image via Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports