NFC Contender May Trade For Run-Stuffer Heavyweight

NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys may trade for run-stuffer heavyweight and Cleveland Browns defensive tackle, Maurice Hurst this offseason. The NFL Draft is in the rearview allowing the Cowboys to add veteran depth to their roster. They may add Hurst after waiting until the seventh round of this year’s draft to select a defensive tackle. One of the top priorities for America’s team is to restore their run defense which they already have a complete pass-defense.

The weakness of the Cowboys’ defense under former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn was stopping the run and red zone drives. However, they could make a trade happen to bolster their defense to provide the team with a veteran piece before this fall. The Cowboys allowed 112.35 rushing yards per game during the 2023 campaign while surrendering 14 rushing touchdowns. According to NFL Analyst Dustin Mosher, he suggests that the defensive lineman could be an ideal trade target to watch for the Dallas Cowboys.

Hurst would provide veteran stability to a young group while contributing quality snaps in obvious run-downs. The Cowboys weren’t able to add veteran defensive pieces other than Eric Kendricks so this trade would make sense. This could open up conversations about Calais Campbell possibly coming in to sign with the team on a cheap one-year deal. One NFL insider seems to think that he is the best available free agent for the Dallas Cowboys to acquire for their defense.

However, the Browns may be looking to move on since the defensive group looks to be packed. The defensive group consists of Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris and incoming second-round pick Michael Hall Jr., so they could view him as expendable. The Browns could look to get some draft capital like a fifth-round pick from the Cowboys if the trade happens.

NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys May Trade For Run-Stuffer Heavyweight Maurice Hurst

How He Would Fit in the Defense

Hurst could be a good addition to the interior pass-rush presence, which is something that the Cowboys have been lacking last season. Some of the opponent running backs have been able to sneak through holes and gain large yardage against the run defense. However, adding Hurst could provide some quality help upfront to prevent that. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted 18 quarterback pressures to go with his two sacks last season while garnering an 81 overall grade.

The Michigan product’s 2023 campaign was impressive, notching 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception in 13 games before suffering a season-ending injury. Despite the loaded front, Hurst was able to play a crucial role in finishing the 2023 campaign allowing a league-low 270.2 total yards per game and the league’s 11th-stingiest rushing defense. It would help the Cowboys who are already thin at the defense tackle position with Chauncey Golston, Osa Odighizuwa, Carl Davis Jr. and Mazi Smith.

Dallas has enough cap space and draft capital to make a trade happen. According to Spotrac, the Cowboys have just $5.72 million in cap space. Hurst could have a huge upside for Dallas if he returns healthy and returns to dominant form. Here are other potential team trade fits for the Michigan product.

Team Trade Fits for Hurst

It seems like Hurst is returning to the Browns on a one-year deal to pair with Za’Darius Smith. However, this doesn’t mean a trade can’t happen. Two teams that could make sense for Hurst are the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints. The Ravens lost Jadeveon Clowney in this year’s free agency so the veteran addition could help Justin Madubuike. Clowney moving on to the Panthers means the Ravens are looking for a proven talent that gave the team a boost.

The Saints would make sense too since they need someone to complement Khristian Boyd, selected in this year’s draft. Hurst would bring that veteran upside to accommodate Boyd as a potential talent.