With the NFL trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal crossroads in their 2024 campaign. As fans eagerly hope for reinforcements to bolster the struggling roster, they must temper expectations—after all, team owner Jerry Jones has often opted for inaction over aggressive midseason trades. Yet, the Cowboys’ glaring weaknesses on defense may leave them with little choice but to consider outside help if they are serious about competing this year.
One area in particular that demands immediate attention is the Cowboys’ defensive line. Despite boasting a talented unit, Dallas has failed to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking 17th in the NFL with just 2.3 sacks per game. Their run defense has fared even worse, allowing a staggering 859 rushing yards—27th in the league.
Enter the possibility of a trade for Chicago Bears pass rusher Dominique Robinson. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently noted that the Bears are entertaining trade options for the second-year defensive end, which has piqued the interest of several teams, including the Cowboys.
“The Bears are also weighing trade options with pass rusher Dominique Robinson, who could use a fresh start elsewhere. Teams such as the Cowboys, Cardinals, and Commanders are short-handed at pass rusher,” Fowler reported.
Robinson, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick, initially showed promise but has been buried on Chicago’s depth chart since the team’s acquisition of Montez Sweat. A converted wide receiver from Miami (Ohio), Robinson has the raw athleticism and untapped potential to make an impact at defensive end. While he remains a developmental project, scouts have praised his quick burst off the snap, fluid movement, and ability to bend around the edge.
As NFL.com wrote in their scouting report, “Wideout turned quarterback hunter with the bricks and mortar needed to build an impactful career as a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 rush end. Robinson frequently flashes despite his relative inexperience at the position.”
For Dallas, a trade for Robinson could help address both their immediate and long-term needs. The Cowboys have been hit hard by injuries along the defensive line, with superstar Micah Parsons nursing a nagging injury and DeMarcus Lawrence showing signs of decline at age 32. Rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who was starting to find his footing, is sidelined with a knee injury until November.
While Robinson has shown potential, the question remains whether he can contribute meaningfully this season as Dallas looks to stay in the hunt. The Cowboys’ defense is in a “win-now” mode, and while Robinson could be a valuable addition for the future, his relative inexperience might limit his immediate impact.
Still, the clock is ticking for Dallas to decide whether to bolster their defensive front or continue to rely on their current, injury-riddled lineup. The 2024 season still holds promise, but without some reinforcements, it may slip away faster than Jerry Jones is willing to admit. Will Dominique Robinson be the spark they need, or will they opt to ride out the season with the pieces already in place? The answer will come soon enough as the trade deadline approaches.
