The Dallas Cowboys are 3-3 and one of the biggest underachieving teams in the NFL.
The Cowboys rank 14th offensively despite finishing as a top-five unit last season, quarterback Dak Prescott is not playing like a $60 million-per-year QB, and they need another playmaker to help take some of the pressure off star receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Third-year WR Jalen Tolbert has done an admirable job as Dallas’ No. 2 option, but the team could stand to add a plyer of a higher caliber, which is why CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell pitched a trade proposal that has the team acquiring former All-Pro wideout Dionate Johnson from the Carolina Panthers.
“Acquiring Carolina Panthers top target Diontae Johnson, who leads his 1-5 squad in catches (29), receiving yards (340) and receiving touchdowns (three), could help fix [the problem of having WRs who don’t create separation],” Podell wrote.
“Johnson is also currently on the right side of 30 at the age of 29, and he is entering the final year of his current contract, something Jones will appreciate. If Dallas can make a deal with Carolina for the cost of a Day 3 pick (rounds four through seven), the move makes sense if the Cowboys still truly want to make a playoff push this year.”
Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys centerCooper Beebe (56) and quarterback Dak Prescott (4) signal prior to the snap during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium.
Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
Johnson is in the final season of a two-year, $36.7 million contract, so there would be no long-term commitment to him beyond 2024, leaving the team free to pursue another WR upgrade next offseason.
As Podell pointed out, Cowboys pass-catchers are averaging just 3.0 yards of separation per route run, which is second-worst in the league.
Johnson averages 5.1 yards of cushion per route run, and his presence would free up both Lamb and Tolbert and give Dallas three legit receiving options with Brandin Cooks sidelined by a knee injury.
