Cowboys: Former first-round pick highlights WR trade options
The NFL trade market is ablaze right now, and it's the perfect time for the Dallas Cowboys to strike. Especially in the WR market, a major area of concern for the team. Even though the heavy free agency period is over, players are still being moved around the league. And with training camp's all around […]
The NFL trade market is ablaze right now, and it's the perfect time for the Dallas Cowboys to strike. Especially in the WR market, a major area of concern for the team.
Even though the heavy free agency period is over, players are still being moved around the league. And with training camp's all around the corner!
Baker Mayfield is now in Carolina. N'Keal Harry is now in Chicago. Who will be next?
July 27 is when the Cowboys begin training camp, which will lead into preseason. With how the position looks today, it lacks depth and is full of questions.
The only WRs we can guarantee to make the team are the three starters: CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and Jalen Tolbert. Can veterans James Washington and Noah Brown be reliable options? Are young players like Simi Fehoko or TJ Vasher ready to step up, despite never catching a pass in their careers?
These players are not in the same category as Deebo Samuel, Diontae Johnson or DK Metcalf but would all immediately upgrade the position. None would cost much by way of draft compensation or cap room, and all might be available.
Andy Isabella
The former UMASS speedster hasn't been able to make a move in this Arizona offense. Even with the addition of Kyler Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsburry's advanced spread offense, it hasn't yet materialized into him living up to his second-round selection.
Falling further and further down the depth chart. His spot on the roster is already in question with the return of DeAndre Hopkins, and addition of Marquis Brown.
Adding Isabella would likely only incorporate a down-field addition to the team. He won't be more than the Dallas Cowboys WR4, with the return of Gallup, but is an upgrade based on current depth.
Denzel Mims
Despite a solid rookie season, Mims has gone from a 6'3" 210-pound WR who can run a 4.3 40, to a roster bubble player. Injuries have pushed him down a depth chart that is already deep at the position with Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and first-round pick Garrett Wilson.
His physical traits aside, he's only 24 and was an official visit by the Cowboys in 2020. H could benefit on a team in need of what he does bring. Which would only benefit from an upgrade at QB from Zach Wilson to Dak Prescott.
The local product is a far cry from a WR1, but still has the upside of a valuable starter, or dependable rotational piece similar to what was lost with Cedrick Wilson. Especially as a blocker in the running game.
KJ Hamler
In the same breath as Andy Isabella, KJ Hamler is a speedy deep threat who's likely to see less snaps due to quality starters. With the addition of QB Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos are all set on their starters on offense. With Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick all set as the trio, Hamler provided valuable snaps as a rookie, but suffered a torn ACL in week three.
He might be the WR4 at the moment, but would be a day-one starter for the Cowboys given their current state. Of all the players on this list, Hamler might be who'd be the least likely to be moved by the team. But would also be maybe the most dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Robby Anderson
We've toughed on this recently. Anderson has seemingly changed his opinion (on the outside) of QB Baker Mayfield. What raises eyebrows is the initial and follow up reactions from Panthers WR Robby Anderson.
There's no doubt Anderson's value as a WR. Averaging just under 60 receptions a season for his career, and as a valuable deep threat, and ability to create separation down the field.
The only thing that might hold this trade back is money. The Panthers would have to eat $9.7 million in dead money, while his cap number raises to $21 million in 2023. Cap gymnastics would have to be done to complete this, but it would be good for all sides.
Neslon Agholor
While Nelson Agholor didn't get the targets Kendrick Bourne or Jakobi Meyers got from rookie Mac Jones, he added value in other areas that added to his reliability. Add DeVante Parker to the mix, and Agholor is really just a rotational WR who's taking up the team's money.
Signed primarily as a deep threat, one of the biggest knocks against him were his hands. However, his 2021 drop rate of 1.6% is not only the lowest of his career, but would rank first among Dallas Cowboys WRs.
Today, the New England Patriots have the least amount of cap space for 2022. Trading him would free up $9.9 million in cap space as Agholor enters free agency in 2023.
Essentially a one-year rental for the Cowboys but adds quality veteran depth at a position in question. A win for all involved.
Kalif Raymond
You don't typically see WRs have a breakout year at age 27. In Kalif Raymond's case, it took six seasons and five teams for it to come to fruition. His 48 receptions 576 yards and four touchdowns aren't indicative of a WR1, but are similar to the value given by Cedrick Wilson as the Cowboys WR3/4 and punt returner.
Raymond's 11.2 yards per return would easily be top on the Cowboys roster, and his 12.0 yards per reception would be third on the offense. Right behind Michael Gallup.
Raymond is only 5'8" 175-pounds and is almost exclusively a slot/deep threat receiver. Which is perfect considering how it would allow players like Lamb and Tolbert to not be as heavily utilized inside. As well as add a dimension down the field the team only really has in Gallup, on a consistent level.
Raymond is an inexpensive and explosive player. He wouldn't solve the woes of the WR depth, but won't force the Dallas Cowboys to need to play their young WRs if not ready.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
