The Dallas Cowboys are 5-3 at the midseason mark following a close, hard-fought loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9. As a result, we're reviewing their season so far. You can find more articles in this series at the bottom of the post. In this one, we evaluate the biggest need of the team ahead of Week 10. 

As soon as the NFL trade deadline came and went, I hit "publish" on a piece discussing the major risk the Cowboys took on for the rest of the season by not dealing for any outside help: A lack of cornerback depth.

I still believe that to be the Cowboys' biggest need entering Week 10.

Following the season-ending injury to Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys have been fine on the outside thanks to the rise of DaRon Bland and the experience of Stephon Gilmore. Inside, Jourdan Lewis has had his ups and downs.

But beyond Dan Quinn's three starters at corner, there's not a whole lot to write home about. The Cowboys have training camp standout Nahshon Wright, who would likely be next in line in case of an injury on the outside. 

After him, Noah Igbinoghene and Eric Scott Jr. won't get anyone excited as we've seen the former be a healthy scratch for three consecutive weeks and the latter has yet to be active for a single game.

It's a nickel defense league and the Cowboys could use the depth. To me, that's their biggest need at midseason. But here's the thing:  

The Cowboys might not agree.

According to The Athletic's Diana Russini, the Cowboys worked the phones to pull off a trade at the deadline. They were not thinking about a cornerback, however.

Instead, they were "hunting for a linebacker." The news makes sense considering they have few options at the position following Leighton Vander Esch's injury.

But here's where speculation could get us even more worried: Recently, Stephen Jones didn't even confirm that LVE is coming back in 2023.

“That’s still a question mark as to when or will he come back this year," Jones told 105.3 The Fan earlier this week. 

If LVE does not return, linebacker might indeed be the team's biggest need. Markquese Bell's meteoric rise certainly helps, but there will be some ups and downs in his play throughout the season. 

More on the midseason mark for the Cowboys:

• The 3 Cowboys midseason MVPs (including an unlikely hero)
• The biggest surprise at the midseason mark
• The biggest disappointment amid 5-3 start
• The Cowboys' best and worst free agent signing so far
• Cowboys Playoff Picture: Can they steal the NFC East?
• Rookie report: Grades for every player at midseason

Cowboys’ very own history suggests Martavis Bryant can make an impact

We’ve been here before.