Dallas Cowboys ‘Have Interest’ in Trade for Bears CB Jaylon Johnson: Report

Dallas Cowboys ‘Have Interest’ in Trade for Bears CB Jaylon Johnson: Report

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are looking for defensive help on the eve of the Tuesday NFL trade deadline, sources tell CowboysSI.com. And even with the addition of 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore to pair alongside play-making DaRon Bland (sliding outside in place of injured All-Pro Trevon Diggs), the Cowboys’ shopping at cornerback could take them near the top tier of possible targets.

The dream scenario in Dallas would be to acquire Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain, who's just 23 years old and coming off his first All-Pro season. But we continue to work on the assumption that the price there is too high (rumor has it Denver would want two first-round picks and a player!).

Enter Chicago Bears starter Jaylon Johnson, a 24-year-old standout seeking a new contract.

Bland, Johnson & Gilmore

Word is Chicago has talked to him about a new deal. But short of that? perhaps the 2-6 Bears would be willing to trade the impending free agent and recoup assets now instead of potentially seeing him walk in the offseason.

Surtain Trade Rumor: What's Cowboys 'Outrageous' Price?

And indeed, media colleague Benjamin Allbright is suggesting the Cowboys “have interest” in such a pursuit.

Not just SF.

Dallas and Buffalo too. https://t.co/wFdcb5GtRH

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 30, 2023

A trio of Johnson, Gilmore and Bland (a top-notch slot corner who is now playing outside and who on Sunday recorded his league-leading third pick-6 in Dallas’ blowout win over the Rams) would be huge for coordinator Dan Quinn's defense.

The No. 50 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson has quietly emerged as a very strong cornerback in the league. … meaning both his contract and his trade cost might be too rich for the Cowboys. But … If contract talks in Chicago don't work, trade talks for a "No. 1 target'' in Johnson for Dallas just might.