Cowboys Set to Part Ways with Former First-Round Pick Mazi Smith Ahead of Trade Deadline, Insider Reports
The NFL trade deadline is only a couple days away, with the buzzer sounding on Tues. Nov. 4. As the deadline approaches, the Dallas Cowboys seem to be as aggressive as any team in the league, with the America’s Team intent on upgrading its squad on the defensive side of the football.
Even though the Cowboys have one of the best offenses in the NFL right now, with star quarterback Dak Prescott having one of the best seasons of his career, the team hasn’t been able to recover defensively since trading superstar linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before Week 1.
That said, the Cowboys have been scouring the league looking for defensive upgrades, with the team seemingly willing to trade a former first-round draft pick.
Cowboys Willing to Trade Defensive Tackle Mazi Smith
The Cowboys’ efforts to make trade and improve defensively have fallen flat. However, that could change over ahead of the NFL trade deadline, as the team is reportedly willing to make defensive tackle Mazi Smith, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The Dallas Cowboys have been in just about every trade article known to man, and this one is no exception. While they might not pull off another blockbuster like when they dealt Micah Parsons at the end of August, they are in the market for a pass rusher, sources say. Arden Key, the Dolphins’ Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, and the Raiders’ Malcolm Koonce are among the edge rushers who could be traded. Dallas also appears to be open to trading 2023 first-round DT Mazi Smith, who has only played in five games this season.
It remains to be seen whether any teams bite on trade offers from the Cowboys, but they might get teams a bit more intrigued with the willingness to add a promising young player, even if it is a player from the defense that they are trying to improve.
Will Cowboys Make a Move Ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline?
There seems to be no shortage of notable defensive players around the NFL that could be available ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4. The Cowboys are fully aware of this and are doing everything in their power to acquire a potential game-changer for their defense to help make a playoff run during the second half of the 2025 campaign.
The real question is whether any of these potential defensive game-changers will be traded ahead of Tuesday’s deadline and which player will the Cowboys have the opportunity to get their hands on.
Among the players mentioned frequently ahead of the NFL trade deadline are Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals), Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins), Malcolm Koonce (Las Vegas Raiders) and Jaelen Phillips (Miami Dolphins). There’s a chance that one of these players could be Dallas bound before the buzzer sounds on the deadline.
Las Vegas Raiders superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby has also been a trade target for the Cowboys, Las Vegas has been adamant about keeping him.
Steelers trade to steal superstar WR from Cardinals makes sense
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-3 following their 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This victory was massive for the Steelers as it snapped a two-game skid and gave the team much-needed momentum. The defense finally woke up, forcing six turnovers in one of its most dominant performances of the season. For now, it appears the Steelers have rediscovered their formula for success by relying on their defense and timely plays. However, that formula often depends on forcing multiple turnovers. When the takeaways are not there, this defense has looked leaky and inconsistent, ranking among the worst in the NFL in yardage allowed. That's crazy because this defense was expected to be one of the best units in the NFL during the 2025 season.
With the trade deadline approaching on Tuesday, all eyes are on Steelers General Manager Omar Khan. Known across the league for his aggressiveness, Khan has never hesitated to make bold moves if he believes they can improve the roster both now and in the future. After last year’s midseason trades, there is growing speculation that Khan could be preparing to strike again. The Steelers remain firmly in the playoff hunt, and Khan’s history suggests he will not sit back if he sees a chance to strengthen his team for the second half of the season and beyond.
On Monday, a surprising new name emerged as a potential target: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The former Ohio State star and top draft pick is one of the most promising young wideouts in football. His name quickly caught attention on Monday. The buzz began after his father, Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., publicly criticized the Cardinals offense for its lack of production and creativity.
"It's very hard for me to watch the Cardinals' offense," Harrison Sr. told ESPN. "And you can quote me on that."
That frustration has fueled speculation that Harrison Jr. could be open to a change of scenery, and if he becomes available, the Steelers would likely be one of the first teams to make an inquiry.
Harrison Sr. made it clear that he doesn't have much faith in the Cardinals' offense to ever unlock his son fully.
"The style of offense that I am accustomed to, that I'm used to watching as a professional eye, as a wide receiver ... I just can't relate to watching that [current] offense, that style of offense," Harrison Sr. said. "Basically, I can't relate to what goes on there. I think that's just peacefully put, without pointing fingers or anything. It's just me. I'm giving you the professional eye. I can't relate to it. It don't add up to me. I can't deal with it."
Before Monday night’s contest against the Dallas Cowboys, Harrison Jr. had caught just 24 passes for 396 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In his rookie season in 2024, Harrison Jr. recorded 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, proving himself as one of the league’s most talented young wideouts.
The 23-year-old clearly has star potential, but his current situation in Arizona has been far from ideal. The Cardinals offense has struggled to find rhythm, leaving Harrison Jr. frustrated and underutilized.
Steelers' Omar Khan could steal Marvin Harrison Jr. from Arizona
Khan, known for his bold decision-making, has already shown a willingness to reshape the Steelers’ offense. This past offseason, he pulled off two massive trades, first acquiring DK Metcalf and then trading away superstar wide receiver George Pickens a month later. Those moves signaled a clear intent to build a new offensive identity.
Now Khan may have another opportunity to make a splash. If Harrison Jr. becomes available, the Steelers could explore a deal, though it would likely come at a steep price. The Cardinals would demand significant draft capital or young talent in return, but adding a player of Harrison Jr.’s caliber could transform Pittsburgh’s offense for years to come. It is certainly an option worth considering if Khan believes the Steelers are one piece away from taking the next step.
