Key Highlights
- The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles may compete for two players from the Tennessee Titans ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
- Roger McCreary and Arden Key are expected to be available in trades, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
- McCreary is a defensive starter who doesn’t fit the long-term plans of his team, while Key has been a solid edge rusher over the past four years.
- The Eagles have needs at both cornerback and edge rusher, while the Cowboys also seek depth in their defense after injuries to key players.
Trade Deadline Approaches: Dallas and Philadelphia Eyeing Tennessee Talent
The NFL trade deadline is just weeks away, and teams are already preparing for potential moves that could bolster their rosters. For the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, one team stands out as a possible source of valuable talent: the Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee’s Trade Strategy
According to reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Titans are open to trading players who are in the last year of their contracts and not part of the franchise’s long-term plans. This strategy could potentially see cornerback Roger McCreary and edge rusher Arden Key become available at this year’s trade deadline on November 4.
“The Titans are open to trading players who are in the last year of a contract and are not in the franchise’s long-term plans,” Fowler noted, adding that “Key fits that mold.” Fowler also mentioned that McCreary is a defensive starter but doesn’t fit the team’s long-term vision. His name has been circulating in trade discussions even during roster cutdowns.
Eagles and Cowboys: On the Hunt for Depth
For the Philadelphia Eagles, the need at cornerback has become more pressing due to struggles from Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson on the boundary. Adoree’ Jackson’s performance hasn’t met expectations across from Quinyon Mitchell, which could see Cooper DeJean moving outside if necessary. However, the Eagles would prefer to keep him in the slot.
The edge rusher position is also a priority for both teams.
The Eagles were already in dire need of depth at this position before Za’Darius Smith’s retirement, and his unexpected departure has made things even more challenging. Brandon Graham coming out of retirement helps but isn’t enough to fill the void entirely. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are still seeking better solutions after injuries to Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland in recent years.
Adding McCreary could offer versatility as he can play both inside and outside cornerback positions.
However, his struggles this season might be partly due to the overall state of a struggling Titans team. Key, on the other hand, has been a reliable edge rusher with 23.5 sacks from 2021-2024. Despite his recent performance, he remains a solid option for teams looking for an upgrade.
Impact on Team Strategies
The Micah Parsons trade has significantly impacted the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, particularly in pass rush. This makes adding an edge rusher even more crucial for the team. McCreary and Key would offer upgrades to both the Cowboys and Eagles but likely won’t be blockbuster acquisitions.
Both teams will need to evaluate their options carefully as they approach the trade deadline, considering not only the players’ recent performances but also the potential long-term fit within their respective schemes.
