NFL reporters share updates on Cowboys trade rumors

Eyebrows were raised when Todd Archer of ESPN reported on Thursday night that the Dallas Cowboys had reworked the deals for veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback DaRon Bland and tight end Jake Ferguson “to give the Cowboys flexibility as the 2026 season begins or allow the club to carry over any unused space to 2027.”

NFL insider Mike Florio then pointed out that the Cowboys have “more than $30M in 2026 cap space now on hand” and that Las Vegas Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby “has a 2026 base salary of $30M.” This predictably caused some to wonder if Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was preparing to make a blockbuster trade ahead of the upcoming regular season.

Multiple reporters have since crushed those hopes for Cowboys fans. 

Cowboys not preparing to make a blockbuster move? 

On Thursday night, NFL Media’s Jane Slater posted via X (formerly known as Twitter): “Yes, the Cowboys have created cap space, but I’m being told it’s just that.” Slater also used a GIF to show she was figuratively pouring cold water over the idea that the Cowboys were about to trade for a big-money player. 

Crosby insisted throughout training camp and the preseason that he does not want to be traded after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of acquiring him this past March due to reasons related to the meniscus repair he needed following the 2025 season. While a June report referred to the rumors regarding Crosby’s future as “exhausting,” it’s thought Dallas could possibly revisit landing him ahead of the in-season trade deadline in November. 

“If the Cowboys want to make a significant trade before the deadline later this season,” Archer added, “theoretically they would have the room to do so. Last year, the Cowboys added Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets with a trade deadline deal.”

For what it’s worth, the Cowboys may sign quarterback Dak Prescott to a lucrative extension next spring or summer. 

Cowboys reporter has one word for trade rumors

Carter Bahns and Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports are among those who have linked the Cowboys with unsettled New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. While Gonzalez is “still frustrated” about the fact that he has two years remaining on his existing contract, there’s no indication he will hold out through New England’s Super Bowl rematch at the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9 if he doesn’t sign an extension before that game gets underway. 

Meanwhile, Archer took to X on Thursday night to offer a response to Cowboys fans about a trade that potentially could occur before Dallas’ Week 1 “Sunday Night Football” matchup at the New York Giants on Sept. 13: