The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, both members of the NFC East, share a crucial need for reinforcement in key positions—cornerback and edge rusher—as they approach the November 4 trade deadline. This common ground could set the stage for a competitive pursuit of potential trade targets.
Among the teams that may be open for business is the Tennessee Titans, who are reportedly prepared to move cornerback Roger McCreary and edge rusher Arden Key. These players are considered expendable as the Titans look to reshape their roster in the wake of a challenging season.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Titans are willing to trade players nearing the end of their contracts who do not fit into the franchise’s future plans, with McCreary and Key fitting this profile. Fowler highlighted that both players have been subjects of trade discussions previously, signaling their availability.
For the Eagles, the situation at cornerback is concerning. Players Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson have struggled, leaving a gap opposite Quinyon Mitchell. Although there is potential to shift Cooper DeJean outside, Philadelphia may prefer to keep him bolstered in the slot. The situation worsened with the unexpected retirement of edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, amplifying the urgency for help in that area. While Brandon Graham’s return offers some relief, it still falls short of fully addressing their needs.
On the Cowboys’ front, the team has not received the anticipated impact from Kaiir Elam and is in dire need of a more reliable option, especially considering Trevon Diggs’ and DaRon Bland’s injury histories. The loss of Micah Parsons has also significantly impeded the Cowboys’ pass rush, making the addition of an edge rusher a priority.
McCreary is known for excelling in the slot but possesses the versatility needed for outside play as well, despite facing challenges this season—potentially reflective of the Titans’ broader struggles. Conversely, Key has demonstrated stability with 23.5 sacks across the past four seasons and currently has 1.5 sacks and nine pressures in five games this year, indicating he is on track to meet his typical performance metrics.
While neither player would drastically transform either roster, both McCreary and Key present meaningful upgrades that could bolster the defenses of the Cowboys and Eagles as they strive to enhance their competitive edge in a tightly contested division. The potential trades could not only serve both teams’ current needs but also signal a strategic shift for the franchises as the season progresses.