Building for the future at the trade deadline?

How can the Cowboys actually be buyers at the trade deadline? Especially with the current state of NFC? I feel like anything other than building for the future would only hurt this franchise. At what point does the team accept that the best thing for the current franchise is to focus on its future? – Matthew Vidal/Rapid City, SD

Nick: I think whatever they decide will be forward-looking. Now, as they look to add a piece to the puzzle, they won't be looking to part with many draft picks. Now they will get some comp picks – probably the maximum of four – so that will help, but I don't think this team will give up too many more – at least now for 2025. The key to this whole deal now is the player you get something in return. I'm all for the Cowboys being a “buyer” as long as it can help them this year and beyond. What I don't agree with is that this team is currently “renting” players without getting anything in return. Because it is rare that one or two players are found who intervene directly and fix the problem. But I think the Cowboys will see it that way – we'll get players like Bland, Parsons, Cooks and Tank back soon, and CeeDee should be okay this week. Maybe add a player or two and you can turn things around. There's still a long way to go, but I think the Cowboys are at least exploring all options. That doesn't mean they make the most sense.

Kurt: I agree with you. Given that the Cowboys are already at least three games out of the top two spots in the NFC East, I'm sitting at No. 13^Th overall in the conference and have now lost their starting quarterback for a significant amount of time, any trade made should be done with 2025 in mind. Since the NFL played 16 games in 1978, Dallas has started 3-5 a total of six times and made the playoffs just once – in 2018, when Amari Cooper was acquired. But that 2018 club also had a defense and a running game that were both top 10. Conversely, this year's team isn't one or two players away from being a contender, so there's no point in mortgaging the future lately. Now give up all efforts to achieve the unlikely success. That means, if anything, the Cowboys should be sellers. When a candidate calls and needs expertise or experienced leadership, why not close a deal? Hell, if they want to load up the Brinks truck for an established star, it can't hurt to listen. At this point, the Cowboys need to think about acquiring more draft picks or young players who can help them next season and beyond. The rebuilding begins now. As Jerry Jones said, it takes two to tango, but the phone lines should be open and all offers considered – no matter the player.