One player that Dallas could have added to their defense apparently isn’t going anywhere.

The Dallas Cowboys like to say talent acquisition is a year-round business. But the truth is they’re running out of chances to land difference-makers to the team. And the latest report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirms a potential target is now off the table.

Cowboys EDGE trade opportunity

For a while there, Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat appeared to be on the trade block. He missed OTAs despite being healthy and multiple reports indicated he wasn’t happy with the team.

That shouldn’t be a surprise considering not even projected starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett has shown up to the final week of OTAs.

But the Sweat trade conversation is being shut down. According to Rapoport, the standout edge rusher is not being traded.

“Not to the Packers or anywhere,” Rapoport added on social media. “Carry on.”

Earlier in the offseason, Jordan Schultz reported multiple teams called the Cardinals about Sweat’s availability. It is unclear if the Cowboys made an offer.

3 Points: Jalen Thompson could be special for Cowboys – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com

The Cowboys safeties in 2026 are an upgrade.

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Caleb Downs enters as the headline defensive acquisition by the Cowboys this offseason, but Jalen Thompson is one of the most important additions in free agency ahead of the NFL Draft that sent Downs to Dallas. Thompson provides a veteran presence but at the age of 27, an exceptional mix of youth and experience. After all, this is a player with 99 regular season games under his belt already, including 87 starts in his career and 74 starts over the last five regular seasons — also proving his durability and availability are never in question.

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The ability to be one of the younger mentors on the roster for Christian Parker, having also reunited with former Cardinals’ assistant coach Ryan Smith in Dallas, is just one attribute Thompson brings to the table. He’s also one of the most disruptive safeties in the NFL, as many wide receivers can willingly attest. Thompson has 37 pass break ups in his career, evidence of his ability to diagnose, react and disrupt at the catch point. He’d like to up his interception tally, starting with his tenure in Dallas, but he was signed to a multi-year deal for a reason.

Dallas Cowboys Sign Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers UDFA Wide Receiver – Mike Moraitis, SI.com

The Cowboys add more wide receiver depth.

The Dallas Cowboys have made another addition to their wide receivers room.

According to the league’s transactions wire on Wednesday, the Cowboys signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jaden Smith.

Just in case you were wondering, no, he is not the son of actor Will Smith. Same spelling, different person.

Smith was an undrafted free-agent signing of the Buccaneers in 2025 but landed on injured reserve in training camp and missed the entire season. Smith was on the team’s offseason roster in April before he was cut loose.

This is the second wideout the Cowboys have signed since the retirement of Parris Campbell, with the other being former SMU wideout Romello Brinson.

NFC East win totals predictions: Back the Cowboys and fade the Commanders – Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports

Will the Cowboys get back to double-digit wins in 2026?

Dallas Cowboys: Over/Under 9.5 (Over +115, Under -140)

I may be ready to get on the Cowboys bandwagon. The offense ranked No. 2 in the NFL last year, but the defense ranked dead last in points allowed per contest. I do think the defense is improved with the additions of Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Dee Winters, Cobie Durant and Rashan Gary. Seriously, how did NFL general managers allow a guy like Downs to fall out of the top 10? He was the first true defensive back to finish top 10 in Heisman voting since 2011, and was the first defensive back since Eric Berry to be named a unanimous All-American twice.

With the NFC East seemingly in flux, the Cowboys getting to double-digit wins looks enticing. Jalen Hurts is at a crossroads, having lost A.J. Brown; the Commanders are back to being a bottom-feeder without Jayden Daniels; and the Giants are a major question mark. I like the Cowboys getting to 10-7 at plus money.

Verdict: Over 9.5

Washington Commanders: Over/Under 7.5 (Over -120, Under +100)

The Washington Commanders getting back to the NFC Championship game is not as simple as keeping Jayden Daniels healthy. Don’t overlook the fact that Washington had what was statistically the worst defense in the NFL last season, with 384.0 yards of total offense surrendered per game. Adam Peters brought in Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson to rush the passer and drafted linebacker Sonny Styles in the first round, but I’m concerned about this secondary, and wonder if it can keep up with all of the weapons the NFC East has to offer. The Commanders added just Amik Robertson and Nick Cross to help what was a bottom-five pass defense.

I think the Commanders could start 0-4 this season. They play at the Eagles, at the Cowboys, vs. the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and then get Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts in London. The Giants come in Week 5, with the 49ers on the road on “Monday Night Football” in Week 6 before the bye in Week 7. That is not an easy start. I’ll take the Under at plus money, as Washington has hit the Under on its preseason win total in four out of the last five seasons. We’ll see if Daniels can stay healthy.

Verdict: Under 7.5