In recent days, every single person I’ve talked to in the Dallas Cowboys organization and across the NFL landscape has made it clear: As we approach Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, the Cowboys want to be “buyers.” As EVP, Stephen Jones recently revealed that Dallas is:

“Considering trades on the defensive side of the ball. … There’s some interesting things out there as we get down to the wire. … We could use any help at any level … If we can upgrade the roster, we’ll do it.”

With a combination of sources, rumors, and logic, EssentiallySports has assembled a Cowboys “Sweet 16” list of names to watch for in the coming hours … with a 1-to-10 grade, with a 10 marking the lowest likelihood of a deal.

1 – Dolphins edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon – There are warts here, and Miami might be orchestrating a bidding war in its fire sale. But this smoke is real.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 2.

2 – Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson – Dallas has placed a call here. But he’s a $29 million rental (as he’s in the final year of his contract) and Cincy is said to want a first-round pick in exchange.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 9.

3- Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson – He has requested a trade from the Bengals, who ought to be “sellers.” All things considered, he’d come at a near $9 million cap hit. But that is justified with his ability to be physical at the point of attack and also drop into coverage – something coordinator Matt Eberflus’s linebackers have struggled with this season.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 1.

4 – Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick – His cap number jumps to almost $19 million in 2026. But Dallas is starving for help here due to injuries and poor play at the safety spot. And this scouting department has always loved Minkah.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 6.

5 – Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams – He’s not a starter, and he’s not a sexy name. But a Day 3 pick would make sense.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 5.

6 – Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby – This is as “sexy” as it gets. But Las Vegas doesn’t want to move Crosby, and Maxx says he doesn’t want to play elsewhere. Still, Dallas has reached out here, apparently not troubled by his $33 million APY contract. There’s a rumor that the Raiders would listen if a team offered a first-rounder. That seems way too cheap. I’m not buying it.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 8.

7 – Jets defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson – Williams is a star-quality player, and Dallas did call on him when it was shopping for Micah Parsons. But he’s pricey. Johnson is an easier get.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 5. Jermaine LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 3.

8 – Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons – Tennessee insists they aren’t moving him. And they shouldn’t. But the Cowboys should be calling just the same.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 9.

9 – Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett – The Browns are busy shutting down all of the gossip … and yet there are credible rumors that suggest the Eagles might give up three No. 1 picks if Cleveland will listen. If Philly is trying, Dallas should be trying. But …

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 10.

10 – Titans defensive linemen Arden Key and T’Vondre Sweat – Tennessee isn’t selling Simmons, but the Titans are selling. Key fits outside, Sweat (a Texas Longhorns product with a second-round pedigree) fits inside.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 3.

11 – Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce – Same story in Vegas. Not likely on Crosby. But here?

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 3.

12 – Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith – This is obviously a trade-away idea, and it’s one Dallas has discussed in-house, but who wants him?

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 7.

13 – Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert – Sources tell me Dallas would part with him as a “sweetener” in a trade to add defense.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 2.

14 – Running backs Breece Hall (Jets) and Tony Pollard (Titans) – New York wants a third-rounder for his expiring deal. Not unfair. But should the Cowboys really be spending time and assets on that side of the ball? (Same goes for a reunion with Titans back Tony Pollard.)

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 8.

15 – Saints linebacker Demario Davis – He’s tied for the third-most solo tackles in the NFL through two months with 51. But he’s 36.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 4.

16 – Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen – He’s long, is in the final year of his deal, has a Pro Bowl resume, but is experiencing a poor season.

LIKELIHOOD GRADE: 2.