Even as free agency cools, Dallas still has avenues to alter its depth chart through trades, potentially leveraging draft capital to address lingering needs and the salary cap impact of a revamped defense. The focus remains on adding at least one impact edge rusher and shoring up linebacker play.
A targeted trade for Steelers edge defender Alex Highsmith has gained traction among analysts, who argue Highsmith’s versatility and run defense would complement the Cowboys’ scheme while potentially offering a higher upside than other available pass-rushers. Pittsburgh’s depth at the position, combined with health concerns and a contract that could be restructured, adds to the trade rationale.
Highsmith’s fit is underscored by his proven pass-rush production (despite a limited 2024 season due to injuries) and his experience in space, which aligns with Dallas’s defensive design. Critics note that Highsmith is nearing age 29 and currently on a four-year, $68 million deal, with non-guaranteed money that could drive negotiations toward a new contract in Dallas.
Any potential deal would likely require more than a third-round pick, given Highsmith’s stature and the Steelers’ edge-group depth, possibly involving an additional mid-round pick or a strategic move involving Dallas’s No. 20 overall selection to facilitate a larger package.
Overall, the Cowboys remain active in pursuing meaningful edge-rush and defensive upgrades as the draft nears, with Highsmith representing a compelling option that could address both pass rush and run defense within the evolving defensive system.
