ARLINGTON, TX – With the 2025 NFL Draft drawing closer, whispers from league insiders have grown louder: the Dallas Cowboys may be preparing for a franchise-defining move. According to ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are seriously considering a blockbuster trade to move up the board and secure Colorado’s two-way sensation, Travis Hunter.
A cornerback. A wide receiver. A generational athlete. Travis Hunter is not just another name atop mock drafts—he’s a one-man highlight reel whose skill set challenges conventional player valuation. His projected impact is so significant that McShay believes a trade for Hunter “would make a ton of sense” for Dallas, especially given the team’s current needs and aspirations.
The Price of Potential Greatness
Dallas currently sits at No. 12 in the draft order—well outside the projected landing zone for Hunter, who is expected to be selected within the top three picks. Acquiring him would likely require a massive haul: this could include multiple first-rounders and additional premium assets, potentially totaling over $50 million in combined contract value and draft capital.
Such a move would not be unprecedented for the Cowboys, who have previously shown a willingness to trade up for elite talent (see: Dez Bryant, 2010). But trading into the top three would mark the franchise’s boldest draft maneuver since the blockbuster Herschel Walker deal reshaped their roster in the early 1990s.
A Perfect Match?
The Cowboys’ interest in Hunter isn’t just about talent—it’s about fit. On defense, Dallas is still reeling from the departure of veterans in the secondary and needs an elite corner to anchor the unit alongside Trevon Diggs. On offense, Hunter’s explosive versatility could inject life into a receiving corps that has struggled to find a consistent No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb.
More importantly, Hunter represents a rare opportunity to draft a player who can contribute significantly on both sides of the ball—something unseen in the modern NFL. His presence would offer Dallas unmatched flexibility in roster construction, play calling, and long-term team strategy.
The Risk Equation
But with great upside comes equally great risk. Moving up in the draft would gut future draft flexibility and could backfire if Hunter fails to transition smoothly to the pro level. In recent years, teams that have mortgaged their futures for high draft picks—like the San Francisco 49ers in 2021—have faced mixed results.
Moreover, Hunter’s two-way aspirations could raise questions about workload, durability, and positional identity. Can he truly maintain elite production while playing both offense and defense against the NFL’s top-tier talent? Or will the Cowboys need to choose a side, potentially diminishing his total value?
Jones’ Legacy Play?
For Jerry Jones, this may be more than just a draft decision—it could be a legacy move. At 82, the Cowboys’ owner remains hungry for another Super Bowl run and may view Hunter as the kind of transcendent figure who can deliver immediate impact and long-term branding power.
Jones has never shied away from risk, especially when it comes to headline-making decisions. If he views Hunter as a once-in-a-decade opportunity, fans may soon witness one of the most aggressive draft trades in recent NFL history.
Final Word
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the league watches Dallas closely. Will they stay put at No. 12, or will they push their chips to the center of the table and go all-in for Travis Hunter?
It’s a $50 million gamble—one that could either define the next era of Cowboys football or leave the franchise searching for answers once again.
