An NFL analyst predicted the Dallas Cowboys are more likely to make a modest, targeted addition before the trade deadline than land a blockbuster name to fix their defensive woes. The view reflects a league‑wide pattern this week, where teams with clear needs are weighing practical, cost‑controlled moves over high‑risk splashes.
Dallas enters the deadline with its secondary strained by injuries and inconsistent play, and multiple outlets have linked the club to a depth cornerback from the Kansas City Chiefs. Joshua Williams fits the profile of a low‑cost veteran on a short deal who could step into a rotation and provide immediate cover while Dallas evaluate longer‑term options. That approach would address a glaring hole without mortgaging future draft assets.
Kansas City Chiefs, Joshua Williams, Dallas Cowboys, NFL
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) arrives prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Analysts pointing to this plan argue such additions make sense given the team’s cap posture and the compressed timeline to integrate new starters. Teams often prefer players who require minimal schematic adjustment and who can supplement existing starters rather than redesign a defence midseason. For Dallas, adding a perimeter cover man in Williams who has experience in a championship environment would be attractive if the price is a late pick or a conditional swap.
Not everyone agrees that a small move will suffice. Critics contend that structural problems on Dallas’s defence stem from scheme and pass‑rush shortcomings as much as personnel, and they urge the front office to pursue a more impactful veteran if the opportunity arises. Yet many league executives counsel patience, noting that true game‑changing defenders rarely move cheaply at the deadline.
ESPN’s NFL Experts Predict Dallas Cowboys’ Move Before Trade Deadline
Kansas City Chiefs, Joshua Williams, Dallas Cowboys, NFL
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dallas may be an active player before the trade deadline this season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Seth Walder and Dan Graziano for ESPN.
Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? The Cowboys have been looking for defensive help for weeks now and it’s likely they add someone ahead of the deadline. I doubt it’ll be one of the big pass rushers everyone keeps mentioning. It’s more likely Dallas adds a linebacker or defensive back. — Graziano
Who could be targeted? Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams. Every Dallas cornerback aside from Trevon Diggs has allowed more than 1.1 yards per coverage snap (average) this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. And Diggs is now on IR because of a concussion, so the Cowboys could use some reinforcements. Williams is in a contract year and buried on the depth chart in Kansas City. He has played only 775 regular-season coverage snaps in his career but has produced an impressive 0.9 yards per coverage snap in that span. When Diggs returns, and if Williams worked out, the team could keep both on the field with DaRon Bland in the slot. — Walder
For now, the Cowboys are reportedly weighing options and making inquiries rather than committing to a deal. The club’s decision will hinge on valuation, the availability of trade partners, and confidence that any newcomer can assimilate quickly into the rotation.
Kansas City Chiefs, Joshua Williams, Dallas Cowboys, NFL
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) runs on field for warm ups against the Baltimore Ravens prior to a game during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Dallas faces a familiar midseason dilemma: patch the present or invest for the future. The prevailing expert view is pragmatic. Expect a surgical addition rather than a seismic trade for the Dak Prescott-led team.
Kansas City Chiefs, Joshua Williams, Dallas Cowboys, NFL
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) arrives prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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