Mailbag: Does Monday's game affect trades?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

Does the outcome of Monday night's game against the Cardinals change what the Cowboys might do at the trade deadline on Tuesday? If they win, are they buyers? If they lose, are they sellers? – Brian Smith/Wichita Falls, TX

Nick: Of course it will - somehow someway the game Monday night will have some kind of effect on the mindset to trade or not to trade. But figuring that out before the game is almost impossible.

It depends on how the Cowboys truly evaluate this season. A loss against the Cardinals might tell some people - fans, media, etc. - that the season is a lost cause and there's no reason to waste draft capital next year to try and fix this year. However, a loss could also showcase a glaring need that must be fixed right now. And remember, trades aren't necessarily to fix this year, but to acquire players that can help down the road. I think of it maybe as beating free agency next year.

Now, a win could also give you two mindsets, too. Beating the Cardinals could suggest the Cowboys are still right in the middle of things at 4-4-1 at the bye week. Sure they need some help go out and get it. I guess you could think that beating the Cardinals means you don't have to do anything at all, and just hope defensive help is on the way in the form of injuries such as DeMarvion Overshown, Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and others.

Personally, I'm making a trade because the offense is too good right now. They can win every game they play if they just got a little more help on defense. I'd go get someone who helps right now and down the road. And there's not a round of draft picks from next year that I wouldn't touch.

Kurt: I don't think the outcome against the Cardinals will play a big part in their decision to make a trade(s). At least it shouldn't. That's because whatever moves they make can't be done solely with this year in mind. The Cowboys need to be building for future seasons.

As has been well-documented, this team is more than just one or two players away from fixing its defense, so there's no point in giving up significant draft capital for an eight-game rental player. What they need are players who will be under team control beyond just 2025.

The Cowboys offense is currently in a championship window. Dak Prescott is playing at his peak, and the core is under contract for the next three years at least. So should they use late first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027 to select players with likely second-round grades and then wait two or three seasons while they develop? No, I think now is the time to go get an impact player who can help immediately.

Which means I would absolutely use those draft picks to get known commodities you can hang onto. Guys who have a proven track record, are still in their prime and are already under contract for multiple years. Sure, there are not a lot of those types out there, so if it doesn't work out, fine. But if there is a chance to improve this team both now and in the future, make the deal.

And then there is George Pickens. If you're not ready to pay him $30 million a year in the coming offseason, or even the projected $28 million franchise tag, then why rent him for the rest of this season? And no, I'm not talking about just giving him away, but would you rather have a third-round pick in 2027 or a third-round or better draft slot in 2026? Would you rather have another player who can help you for the next two or three seasons, or a second-day draft pick two years from now you hope pans out?

Yeah, but the offense could suffer this season without Pickens, right? Well, the Cowboys averaged 35 points a game in CeeDee Lamb's absence, including dropping 40 on a Packers defense that's one of the best in the league. Think they couldn't do that with Lamb back and Pickens gone? And even with those two, is this a championship team as we stand here today?

Trading Pickens is a move I don't think the team will make, but it's the right one if they're not committed to him long term. Just as using those first-round picks to acquire proven talent now makes sense if the opportunity presents itself. Again, the Cowboys shouldn't just be worrying about this season. They need to be building something bigger and better that can truly compete for a title while this offensive window is still open.