Unsurprisingly, the NFL trade deadline came and went without a big move from the Dallas Cowboys on Monday or Tuesday. While many fans expected a move for a wide receiver to help out an offense that showed its ceiling last Sunday, the front office will move on with what they have.

Before we dive into what's next for the Cowboys' roster, however, it's time to make a critical note: The team DID trade for a player before the deadline. It just happened last week.

Defensive lineman Jonathan Hankins was a significant addition to the defensive line that only cost the Cowboys a sixth-round draft pick. The nose tackle will go a long way to help out Dan Quinn's run defense by occupying blockers even if he doesn't light up the stat sheet.

Cowboys fans should be excited about how the recent addition to the defensive tackle room played on Sunday against the Chicago Bears in 33 snaps.

When new Cowboys NT Johnathan Hankins was on the field Sunday, Bears RBs Khalil Herbert and David Montgomery combined for 11 carries and 39 yards (3.5 average). When Hankins was on the sideline: 20 carries for 113 yards (5.7) and a touchdown.

Film behind the stat. pic.twitter.com/tbKWomqIIB

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 2, 2022

That said, Dallas could've been interested in upgrades or improved depth at several other positions. Wide receivers Brandin Cooks, Kendrick Bourne, and others were in fans' radars and some reports even suggest the front office tried to put something together but was deterred by the price.

Now one question is circling around in the minds of Cowboys fans. What's next for the roster?

How can the Cowboys, who are 6-2 heading into the bye week and get the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings next, improve at this stage of the season?

I'm not going to tell you they have the sexiest of answers, but I'll admit they should be close to getting better on offense. Not via free agency signings exactly but just by getting healthier.

Cowboys WR James Washington is "real close"

While the Cowboys lack the depth at wide receiver to feel confident using 11 personnel when one of their three starters isn't available, that could change very soon when they get Washington back.

Even though the former Steeler hasn't been able to put up consistent stats, it's undeniably true that he wasn't in a situation that played to his strengths. Both offensive coordinator Matt Canada and Ben Roethlisberger were not able to exploit what he does best.

That's going deep and stretching the field vertically. Washington isn't only a fast receiver but he does a great job tracking the ball and adjusting to make the catch.

Here's what I wrote about the signing back in March:

"The Cowboys have been missing that deep threat specialist on offense for a while now. Michael Gallup has been labeled by media and fans as the guy that takes the cap off of the defense, but the thing is that never has been the biggest, or best, part of Gallup’s game.

Sure, he provided the biggest vertical threat out of recent receiver groups, but limiting Gallup to that kind of role wouldn’t be getting the most out of him.

With the Cowboys, Washington will play with one of the best deep passers in the NFL. As @AdamJT13 pointed out on Twitter, Dak Prescott leads the league in success rate on passes thrown 20+ yards downfield since 2019."

It remains a question mark whether or not Washington will elevate his play with a better quarterback on a better system but there are reasons to believe he will.

Help on the way for the OL

Recently, Stephen Jones suggested the Cowboys are expecting Tyron Smith back in 3-4 weeks. That was a surprise considering it was originally said they'd get Smith back in December "if at all."

But Dallas' front five would undoubtedly get better when #77 comes back.

While Tyler Smith has exceeded expectations and been solid as a rookie left tackle, there's no question a healthy Tyron is a better LT. Not to mention, Tyler should be a better answer at guard than Connor McGovern or Jason Peters.

While development is important for Tyler this is a team that has a legit shot at being Super Bowl contenders this season. Give me the best group of five upfront any day of the week.

So while the Cowboys didn't get better on offense at the deadline, a silver lining can be found in what's ahead for the team.

The offense is getting better with Dak Prescott's return and the emergence of rookie tight ends and will continue to get better when two key players return.

Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports