The Dallas Cowboys had a tough 2024 NFL season, finishing 7-10 after franchise quarterback Dak Prescott partially tore his hamstring in Week 9. As they turn their attention to the offseason, the Cowboys need to upgrade offense and defense, both of which ranked outside the top 20 last year in PFSN’s Offense+ and Defense+ metrics.
Heading into the 2025 season, Dallas is predicted to make a bold move, trading Micah Parsons to the Seattle Seahawks in return for star receiver DK Metcalf.
Cowboys Predicted To Make Bold Trade To Upgrade Dak Prescott’s Weapons
Things were rocky from early in the 2024 season for Dallas, as the Cowboys were 3-4 going into their Week 9 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Prescott was then injured in that game, and all hope was lost for the remainder of the season.
Cooper Rush filled in for Prescott and turned in some solid performances late in the campaign, but Dallas’ offense finished 23rd in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
Rush did admirably in his first extended action as a starter, going 4-4 while throwing for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, he finished the regular season with a No. 36 ranking (60.0) and D- grade in PFSN’s QB+ metric.
The offense lost much of its potency without Prescott. Fifth-year receiver CeeDee Lamb’s production dropped to 1,194 yards and six touchdowns after 1,749 and 12, respectively, the year prior. Meanwhile, the second-most productive receiver was Jalen Tolbert, who recorded 610 yards.
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer now projects the Cowboys to trade for a true WR2 in Metcalf and shipping Parsons in return to Seattle.
“Dallas might need to move Parsons, who has been rumbling about grumbling, thanks to a faded defense around him and the Cowboys’ waning star as NFC Super Bowl contenders.
“The Seahawks should be first in line, as Parsons can be the ultimate pass-rushing chess piece for Mike Macdonald’s hybrid schemes. In return, Seattle can help Dallas find a big, outside No. 2 to complement CeeDee Lamb’s domination in the slot. Metcalf for Parsons wouldn’t work straight-up, but the Seahawks should be willing to add a high draft pick package to make Parsons’ acquisition work.”
Metcalf, who ignited trade rumors last month, is still in his prime at 27 and would undoubtedly elevate the Cowboys’ offense. His role likely wouldn’t be much different from the one he currently fills in Seattle, complementing a young, talented slot receiver while dominating on the outside.
Metcalf has yet to find his best form in Seattle and finished with 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. However, he’s set to carry a $31.87 million cap hit in 2025, and Seattle may not be eager to commit to that kind of money, especially when they have a young, rising star in Jaxon Smith-Njigba waiting for a bigger role.
A trade to the Cowboys would benefit both sides. Seatle would clear their cap space and receive a great defender in Parsons and a potential first-round draft pick, while the Cowboys would get the much-needed boost to their offense.