The Cowboys' Wide Receiver Problem

The Cowboys made headlines this offseason when they parted with their long-time number one receiver, Dez Bryant. Bryant was the Cowboys leader in receptions (69), receiving yards (838), and receiving touchdowns (6) during the 2017 season. The Cowboys also lost tight end Jason Witten to retirement in the same offseason. Witten was the second on the team in receptions (63), third in yards (560), and second in touchdowns (5). The Cowboys lost their top two receiving targets in one offseason, and it certainly shows. Through the first six weeks, the Cowboys are 29th in passing yards, and quarterback Dak Prescott has had well-documented struggles. A big part of the struggles in the passing game is the Cowboys decision not to have a number one receiver and instead take on the receiver position by committee. The Cowboys brought in four new receivers for 2018, but none of them have been very productive. Let us look receiver by receiver to see what each brings to the table.

Cole Beasley

Beasley is by far the Cowboys best and most productive receiver. Beasley has proved to have the best chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott has seemingly filled the safety blanket role once occupied by Jason Witten. Beasley is signed through 2019 and the Cowboys should hope to bring him back.

Michael Gallup

The Cowboys used the 81st pick in the draft to take Michael Gallup from Colorado State. In his two years at Colorado State, quarterbacks who targeted Gallup had a 117.4 quarterback rating. Gallup had some struggles with his hands during the first few weeks of the season but has made some incredible plays in recent weeks. Gallup is working himself into more playing time and quickly gaining the trust of Dak Prescott.

Allen Hurns

This offseason, Allen Hurns signed a two year, 12 million dollar contract with the Cowboys after spending four years in Jacksonville. To say that Hurns has struggled during his short time in Dallas would be putting it too lightly. Through six games, Hurns has just eight receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. That is not six million dollars worth of production. After the Cowboys overtime loss to the Texans, Hurns complained about the play-calling, Dak Prescott's play, and the play of the offensive line. He has shown himself to be more of a problem than a solution. Hurns should begin to see less of the field when Michael Gallup steps into the starting wide receiver role.

Deonte Thompson

The Cowboys signed Deonte Thompson to a one year, 2.5 million dollar contract this offseason. This signing never made too much sense, as Thompson has never been a productive receiver during his time in the NFL. Through six games, Thompson has only 12 receptions for 105 yards and no touchdowns. Thompson has seen his snap count go down as the season goes on and should continue to see it go down unless he magically starts producing.

Terrance Williams

The Cowboys have a Terrance Williams problem. In 2017, Terrance Williams signed a four year, 17 million dollar contract extension. Since signing that extension, Williams has played 19 games and scored zero touchdowns. In 2018, Williams played just three games before mysteriously going on the injured reserve with a foot injury. Williams totaled only two receptions for 18 yards in those three games. Many thought the Cowboys would move on from Williams after he spent the offseason getting arrested for public intoxication after crashing his car and getting surgery on his foot. The Cowboys decided to keep him, but he continues to serve only a distraction. It is time for the Cowboys to cut their losses with Williams and let him go.

Tavon Austin

During the 2018 NFL draft, the Cowboys shipped off a sixth-round pick to the Rams for wide receiver/running back Tavon Austin. After promising to use Austin as a running back before the season started, the Cowboys have used him primarily as a receiver. Austin has totaled seven receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Austin also has six carries for 55 yards. Austin has struggled with drops this season, most notably his drop of a long touchdown against the Lions but has been a productive player for the most part. The Cowboys have lost Austin for the time being with a groin injury, so they will need someone else to step up as the primary deep threat in the offense.

Trade Options?

Amari Cooper: The Raiders are reportedly shopping Amari Cooper for a first round pick. The Cowboys obviously would not give up that much for Cooper, but perhaps they would consider trading a second round pick for the talented former first-round pick with a year and a half left on his contract. Cooper has had his struggles in Oakland, but he would immediately become the best receiver on the Cowboys roster.

Emmanuel Sanders: The Broncos likely will not be making the playoffs this year or any time soon until they figure out their quarterback situation so why not get some return on their talented receiving core? Sanders would fit the Cowboys "Dak-friendly" offense, as he gets open often and is excellent after the catch. Sanders is worth a look if the Broncos were to part with him.