Dallas Cowboys rumors: Cowboys refusing to trade top defender

The Dallas Cowboys already started making changes with one big move and the rumor mill is buzzing with the NFL trade deadline closing in. However, even amid a disastrous season, it seems the Cowboys are making one defensive player untouchable.

Just days after trading Everson Griffen, part of a series of moves before Week 8, Dallas started getting calls about one of its top edge rushers. Unfortunately for NFL teams, it seems the Cowboys aren’t even interested in hearing offers.

Dallas Cowboys rumors: Aldon Smith won’t be moved at NFL trade deadline

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Seattle Seahawks are among a handful of NFL teams that called the Cowboys about Aldon Smith. Ultimately, they were all informed that the 6-foot-4 pass rusher will be staying in Dallas.

It’s a bit surprising that the Cowboys aren’t even willing to discuss a trade. They signed Smith to a cheap, one-year contract and he was reinstated after a five-year hiatus.

Since returning to the field, the 31-year-old has been one of the team’s few reliable players on the defensive side. While he only has two sacks and five quarterback hits in seven games, he boasts the 16th highest pass-rushing grade (74.4), per Pro Football Focus.

Given his cap-friendly contract and his outstanding abilities, Smith would certainly net the Cowboys a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But, per Garafolo, Jerry Jones is instead focused on a contract extension.

In this team’s defense, they still have a shot at winning the NFC East. While those odds are dwindling by the week, trading Smith would be another step back for the NFL’s worst defense.

It won’t be a surprise if the Cowboys sell more pieces before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. However, the likes of Smith, Michael Gallup and Demarcus Lawrence will remain in Dallas.