The Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback situation has been a rollercoaster of uncertainty, but a blockbuster move could reshape their defense for years to come. With injury concerns surrounding star Trevon Diggs and the looming free-agency departure of DaRon Bland, the Cowboys are reportedly zeroing in on a trade that could land them a new cornerstone for their secondary: Denver Broncos’ starting cornerback Riley Moss. This potential deal has Cowboys fans buzzing with excitement and disbelief, as Dallas looks to bolster its defense with a cost-effective, high-upside player from an AFC West rival.
It’s no secret that the Cowboys’ secondary is at a crossroads. Trevon Diggs, a former NFL All-Pro, has been plagued by injuries, missing 21 games over the past two seasons due to recurring knee issues. His lackluster approach to rehabilitation has raised red flags, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before he’s sidelined again. Meanwhile, DaRon Bland, another All-Pro talent, is almost certain to leave in free agency. With Bland projected to command a contract exceeding $90 million, the Cowboys face a financial crunch—especially with edge rusher Micah Parsons poised to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
The Cowboys can’t afford to field a weak secondary, as NFL rules still require 11 defensive players on the field. The question is: who will step up to fill the void? Enter Riley Moss, a rising star who could be the answer to Dallas’ defensive prayers.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently floated a tantalizing trade idea: the Cowboys could acquire Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. Moss, a 2023 third-round selection, emerged as a full-time starter in 2024, racking up 86 tackles, 1 interception, and 8 pass deflections across 14 starts. At just $2.7 million over the next two seasons, Moss represents a budget-friendly option for a Cowboys team strapped for cash.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are reportedly open to moving Moss after drafting Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Barron’s stellar preseason debut has convinced Denver that he’s ready to step in as the long-term No. 2 corner alongside star Patrick Surtain II. This makes Moss expendable, giving the Cowboys a golden opportunity to swoop in and secure a proven starter at a bargain price.
“While Moss is a quality corner who emerged as a starter last year, he’s a bit redundant following Denver’s decision to draft Jahdae Barron,” Kay wrote on August 21. “The Broncos could clear up roster space and add future assets by dealing Moss to the Cowboys this offseason.”
The Cowboys have already taken steps to address their cornerback woes, selecting East Carolina’s Shavon Revel with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Revel, once projected as a first-round talent, was a steal in the third round—but there’s a catch. An ACL tear limited him to just three games in 2024, leaving his immediate future in question. While Revel’s tape shows a dominant small-school corner with 16 pass breakups and three interceptions over 15 games, his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
“A big opportunity awaits the third-round rookie, who will almost certainly see starting reps when the season begins,” ESPN’s Ben Solak noted on July 16. “Trevon Diggs is still recovering from a January knee surgery and could start the season on the PUP list.” If Revel can return to full health, he could be a long-term solution. For now, though, the Cowboys need a reliable option to bridge the gap.
Acquiring Riley Moss could be a game-changer for the Cowboys. At 25 years old, Moss brings youth, athleticism, and starting experience to a secondary in desperate need of stability. His 2024 performance—86 tackles and 8 pass deflections—proves he can hold his own against NFL receivers. Pairing him with a healthy Revel in the future could give Dallas a formidable cornerback duo, allowing them to weather the potential losses of Diggs and Bland.
The trade’s cost—a 2026 third-round pick—is a small price to pay for a player with Moss’ upside and contract control. For a team facing salary cap constraints, this move is a masterstroke of resourcefulness, providing immediate help without breaking the bank.
The idea of snagging a starting cornerback from an AFC West rival has Cowboys Nation in a frenzy. Social media is abuzz with fans marveling at the potential coup, with many calling it a “steal” if Dallas can pull it off. Others are cautiously optimistic, pointing to Moss’ limited track record and the uncertainty surrounding Revel’s recovery. One thing is clear: the Cowboys are making bold moves to address their defensive needs, and the addition of Riley Moss could mark the beginning of a new era in Dallas.