As the NFL trade deadline looms on November 4th, both the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are poised for potential moves, with owner Jerry Jones declaring the Cowboys ‘open for business’ and Baltimore considering options for veteran tight end Mark Andrews and a Brandin Cooks acquisition, signaling a pivotal moment for both contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for a deep playoff push.
The clock is ticking for NFL teams looking to make a splash before the November 4th trade deadline. With only a short window left, contenders and sellers alike are scrambling to finalize deals that could reshape the league. Among the most active participants are two AFC and NFC powerhouses: the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys, both signaling a readiness to make significant roster adjustments.
Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones Declares ‘Open for Business’
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made his intentions clear: the team is a “willing participant in trade discussions” as the deadline approaches, as reported by USA TODAY Sports. This declaration suggests Dallas is aggressively pursuing upgrades to solidify its playoff position, undeterred by recent game outcomes.
Addressing the Offensive Line: A Search for a New Center
A key area of focus for the Cowboys appears to be the center position, with incumbent Tyler Biadasz hitting free agency. Biadasz, a Pro Bowler in 2022 and a solid performer with a 68.6 PFF grade in 2023, is unlikely to be re-signed, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. This mirrors a trend for Dallas, which has seen other drafted and developed interior offensive linemen, like Connor Williams and Connor McGovern, leave in free agency.
To address this, mock drafts have suggested potential replacements. One notable target is West Virginia’s Zach Frazier. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Frazier as the No. 36 overall prospect and third center on his big board. Despite suffering a broken leg in November 2023, Frazier’s speedy recovery—already running and moving without restrictions—is not expected to significantly impact his draft stock, making him a compelling option for the Cowboys, as detailed by The Athletic.
Reinvigorating the Running Game: The Etienne Pursuit
Dallas’s rushing attack has struggled this season, ranking last in the NFL with an average of just 3.5 yards per carry. The departure of Tony Pollard in free agency has left a void, with Ezekiel Elliott past his prime and Rico Dowdle not deemed a starting-caliber back. This has led to speculation that the Cowboys could target a running back at the deadline.
USA TODAY Sports has identified Jacksonville Jaguars’ Travis Etienne as an ideal fit for Dallas. Etienne, a versatile back who can catch passes and surpass 1,400 yards from scrimmage in his first two seasons, could be expendable given Tank Bigsby’s emergence in Jacksonville and the Jaguars’ likely rebuild. An Etienne trade would immediately fill Dallas’s gaping hole at running back and provide additional draft capital for the Jaguars.
Baltimore Ravens: Balancing Current Needs with Future Outlook
The Baltimore Ravens, fresh off an MVP season for Lamar Jackson and a deep playoff run, are firmly in “win now” mode. However, they also face key roster decisions, with several players either on expiring contracts or underperforming relative to their pay.
Tight End Considerations: Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely
Veteran tight end Mark Andrews has been the subject of trade rumors since March, and his name is one to monitor as the deadline approaches, as per USA TODAY Sports insiders. Andrews is on an expiring contract, and the Ravens already have his heir apparent in Isaiah Likely on the roster. While Likely is also in the final year of his deal, many expect him to re-sign in Baltimore, potentially making Andrews an attractive trade piece for a team needing an immediate boost at the position.
Seeking a Veteran Wide Receiver: Brandin Cooks as an Option
Baltimore’s wide receiver corps needs a veteran presence opposite Zay Flowers, especially after Odell Beckham Jr.’s disappointing 2023 season. Beckham caught just 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns, earning a substantial $16 million. He is unlikely to return in 2024, leaving a gap in the Ravens’ receiving options.
Bleacher Report has floated the idea of the Ravens acquiring Dallas Cowboys wideout Brandin Cooks. A proposed trade package involves the Ravens sending a 2024 fifth-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick (from the Jets) for Cooks and a 2024 seventh-round pick. Cooks is seen as a logical replacement for Beckham due to their similar skill sets and his relatively reasonable salary, which aligns with Baltimore’s projected cap space.
Strategic Implications and Fan Outlook
The actions of both the Cowboys and Ravens at the trade deadline will have significant strategic implications. For Dallas, acquiring a player like Travis Etienne or drafting a top-tier center could solidify weaknesses that have hampered their Super Bowl aspirations in recent years. However, trading away a veteran like Brandin Cooks, even if it brings draft capital, would require other receivers to step up immediately.
Baltimore’s potential moves, whether trading Mark Andrews or acquiring Brandin Cooks, demonstrate a calculated approach to maximizing their “win now” window with Lamar Jackson. Fans will be closely watching to see if these high-stakes decisions pay off, providing the missing pieces for a championship run or simply optimizing for future success.
The NFL trade deadline is not just about moving players; it’s about teams making definitive statements about their aspirations. For the Cowboys and Ravens, these next few days could set the tone for the rest of their seasons and beyond, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what blockbuster deals might materialize.
