Cowboys Trade For DeForest Buckner? 3 Problems with NFL Draft Night Rumor
It's been no secret the Dallas Cowboys have entered this NFL offseason on a mission, and one accentuated by trading some late-round draft capital for Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore.
How about another deal for another name?
In addition to a rumor floating about (more on that in a moment), according to Bleacher Report, one of the top hypothetical trades Dallas could make heading into the 2023 Draft is trading its No. 26 pick for Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle and two-time Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner.
"For the Cowboys, it's the opportunity to add an elite interior defensive lineman that should be appealing," Bleacher Report writes. "Micah Parsons is one of the most electric and talented edge-rushers in the game. Giving him a guy like Buckner, who had eight sacks last season, would take the Dallas pass rush to the next level."
The No. 7 pick in 2016, Buckner registered eight sacks and 74 tackles in 2022 for a Colts team that finished 4-12-1.
"The fact is the defensive tackle's contract makes him a top candidate to be traded if the Colts are looking to shift their timetable for contention," Bleacher Report writes. "He's 29 years old and his cap hits of $19.8 million and $20.3 million over the next two seasons carry only $1 million in guaranteed money."
Fun idea.
But a problematic one, for three reasons.
1) As talented as Buckner is, Dallas is absolutely reluctant to give away its first-round pick. This spring, every time that idea was broached, the Cowboys backed way off. (Denver receiver Jerry Jeudy is one example.)
2) B/R skirts past the salary issue. His guaranteed money isn't really an issue if you're planning on his being on your team in 2023, in which case his salary is $19 million. There are ways to massage that, but on its face? The Cowboys would find that exorbitant.
3) We are not aware that the Colts wish to trade an All-Pro-level player like Buckner. And when he became aware of the rumor that he wanted out of Indy? He responded on Twitter.
"I need you to check your sources!'' he chided a gossip account.
While it is unclear whether Dallas would be willing to give up their only first round selection, and Buckner stating he wants to stay in Indianapolis, there is no denying both teams could make a deal if the price is right.
You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard
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