The Dallas Cowboys’ biggest question—or maybe their $200 million question—is whether they will make a trade for an experienced cornerback to assist in replacing Trevon Diggs. The possibility of the Cowboys making a play for Denver Broncos star Pat Surtain, who the organisation was linked to entering the 2021 NFL draft, was examined by Sports Illustrated’s Mike Fisher.
Considering how poorly the Broncos have started the season, Surtain’s name has been mentioned in trade rumours. After the Broncos defence let up 70 points to the Dolphins, Pat Surtain Sr., Surtain’s father, suggested on social media that his son would benefit from a change of scenery.
On September 28, 2023, Fisher wrote, “As CowboysSI.com exclusively reported at the time, Dallas was calling Miami in an attempt to move up into the top four spots in order to chase a cornerback, Surtain or Horn.” “(And Dad thought Dallas and his son were “a perfect fit,” praising the notion. After failing to close the transaction, the Cowboys cleverly manoeuvred to choose Micah Parsons, which turned out to be a good move.)
“Therefore, both Diggs and Surtain, who played at Alabama, had better grades from Dallas.”
Surtain’s rookie contract, worth $20.9 million for four years, expires in 2024. Denver also has the option to select the defender’s fifth year, which is set to expire in 2025. The cornerback’s Pro Football Focus grade in 2022 was an impressive 86.8 (out of 100), but after three games this season, it is down to 70.3.
Dallas was interested in Surtain prior to the draft, similar to the rumours surrounding Kyle Pitts. However, the organisation was fortunate to select Micah Parsons at No. 12 instead of Surtain. The Cowboys’ interest in Surtain as an Alabama product does not imply that Dallas is prepared to forfeit a sizable portion of their draft capital in exchange for the defender
According to Nick Cosmider of The Athletic, Surtain is the Broncos’ most desirable trade piece. He speculates that Denver might be able to get a deal comparable to what the Jaguars got for Jalen Ramsey from the Rams. The Cowboys are unlikely to part with two first-round picks for Surtain, particularly in light of Diggs’ recent $97 million contract extension.
“The player who would undoubtedly produce the biggest return in a trade is Surtain, the All-Pro corner who has established himself as one of the best players at his position in the NFL in just his third season,” Cosmider detailed on September 26. “… The Jacksonville Jaguars received two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder when they traded another young All-Pro cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, to the Rams in 2019.”