After the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the world seemed to be falling down.
Dak Prescott had a thumb fracture that was due to sideline him for six to eight weeks. Recently promoted WR1 CeeDee Lamb had only 29 receiving yards. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for 60 rushing yards.
Cowboys fans everywhere showed no hesitation in smashing the panic button.
But two games later, all is well in Dallas. The Cowboys are undefeated thanks to a pair of solid performances from Cooper Rush. Elliott, Pollard and Lamb have all improved greatly compared to their showings in the season opener. The defense has proven to be one of the best in the NFL.
If the Cowboys continue on this trajectory, they’ll be buyers at the November 1 trade deadline. Barring any injuries, the Cowboys have one glaring position of need that needs to be addressed ahead of the deadline.
The Cowboys are desperate for WR depth
The Cowboys offense hasn’t been spectacular. Dallas has scored only 15.3 points per game, the third-lowest total in the NFL. The Cowboys need to add some playmakers on offense if it hopes to be a competitive team for the remainder of the season.
Luckily, Michael Gallup is inching closer to his much-anticipated return. Gallup was a game-time decision before the matchup against the New York Giants, but said he didn’t feel ready after only practicing twice in full pads last week.
Veteran receiver James Washington is also due to come back by Week 5 vs the Los Angeles Rams. Washington fractured his foot during practice early in August.
While both these players will add much-needed depth at WR, both will be on limited snap counts in their first few games until they’re back to full speed.
In the meantime, the Cowboys need to make a trade to bring in some WR talent that is ready to be a full participant right away. Luckily for Dallas, there’s a player that’s been on the trading block since preseason.
Taking a flyer on a second-round talent
The New York Jets selected receiver Denzel Mims in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Mims had a monster college career at Baylor. His 2,925 receiving yards rank sixth in school history, and his 28 receiving touchdowns rank third.
Mims has a rare combination of size and speed. He stands at 6’3, 207-pounds and ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That was tied for the fifth-fastest time in 2020.
But things haven’t panned out for Mims in the NFL. Through two seasons, he’s recorded only 31 receptions for 490 yards. But Mims has only played in 20 career games and was even a healthy scratch a handful of times last season.
There seems to be an internal struggle between Mims and the Jets. Before this season kicked off, Mims requested a trade but New York has yet to make that happen.
Mims hasn’t suited up yet this year. Likely because the Jets are trying to preserve his health for a potential trade.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that as of August 31, New York’s asking price for Mims was a fourth-round draft pick. Considering how much time has passed since then, that price has likely diminished.
But if the Cowboys want Mims, they need to move quickly. It’s rumored multiple teams will be involved in the Mims sweepstakes as the trade deadline approaches.
If the Cowboys do make a move for Mims, they’ll have him on contract through the 2023 season. If things work out, they can then exercise a fifth-year option to secure him in 2024.
Dallas should consider buying low on a once coveted talent that deserves a second chance in the NFL.
