Cowboys should leave no stone unturned searching for WR help.
NFL teams are always trying to upgrade their roster one way or another. They are continuously on the lookout for players they can acquire to do just that. It’s a never-ending process and one that is continuously monitored 24/7, 365 days a year. Even now, after the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency, teams are considering trade/cut candidates around the league.
The Dallas Cowboys are no doubt still putting in the work for talent acquisitions to upgrade their roster and are more than likely monitoring the roster status of several potential trade/cut candidates from other teams. That could be the way they find wide receiver help after they decided to bypass it in the draft. In fact, there are a few second-year receivers they could possibly be keeping an eye on.
Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots
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Despite just entering his second-year in the league, Ja’Lynn Polk could potentially find himself as a trade/cut candidate if he can’t prove to the new coaching staff in New England he’s worth keeping around. The former 2024 second-round pick had a disastrous rookie season and now has no one in his corner under the new coaching regime.
On top of that, the Patriots currently have somewhat of a logjam at WR after drafting Kyle Williams in the third-round this year and also signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency. All three of them are likely ahead of Polk on the depth chart right now, making him potentially expendable. If true, a Day 3 pick could possibly secure his services.
Per Dane Brugler’s 2024 draft guide:
Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is natural athlete addressing the football, with three-level instincts and Pro-level toughness. A potential NFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he was coming out of Tennessee.
Javon Baker, New England Patriots
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Just like the previously mentioned Polk, Javon Baker is another second-year receiver who may be one and done with the New England Patriots. Everything we said about Polk applies to Baker as well and probably much more so considering he was a 2024 fourth-round pick by the Patriots. Considering the differences draft status between the two, he’s much more likely to be a trade/cut candidate the Cowboys should continue to monitor.
Per Dane Brugler’s 2024 draft guide:
Baker is a loose-striding athlete with ball-tracking skills, although his tape is full of inconsistencies and question marks that didn’t allow him to consistently showcase his talent. He projects as a developmental Z receiver with starting upside.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Jalen McMillan’s roster status with Tampa Bay Buccaneers seems to be somewhat in question after they drafted Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson this year. Egbuka’s addition is especially concerning for McMillan as they are both considered at their best playing from the slot, thus making the former 2024 third-round pick potential trade candidate.
Due to injuries at WR for the Buccaneers last year, McMillan is the most proven WR on this list, catching 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. His fit with the Cowboys is somewhat questionable though considering he’s predominantly a slot WR, but he could still upgrade Dallas’ receiving corps if he ends up being a trade/cut candidate.
Per Dane Brugler’s 2024 draft guide:
McMillan will need to prove he can handle the physicality of playing inside at the next level, but he has three-level potential as a pass catcher and be an intriguing option for a team that prioritizes length and speed from the slot. Stylistically, his game reminds me of a juiced-up Jakobi Meyers.
