The Dallas Cowboys, reeling from a brutal string of offensive line injuries, have struck a bold and calculated blow in the NFC East, orchestrating a blockbuster trade with their division rivals, the New York Giants. In a move that’s set tongues wagging and sent shockwaves through the league, Dallas has acquired guard Evan Neal and running back Devin Singletary in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This audacious deal not only shores up critical roster weaknesses but also signals the Cowboys’ unrelenting ambition to dominate the division.
The Cowboys’ offensive line has been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks, with starters Robert Jones, Tyler Guyton, and Tyler Smith all sidelined. While Smith’s return to practice—described by head coach Brian Schottenheimer as a precautionary “maintenance” break—has calmed some nerves, the team remains dangerously thin on the interior. With Jones and Guyton expected to miss at least a month, the Cowboys were in desperate need of reinforcements to protect their quarterback and maintain their offensive firepower.
Enter Evan Neal, the former seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Once heralded as a cornerstone for the Giants’ offensive line, Neal has struggled to find his footing at right tackle. Now, in the final year of his rookie contract, a transition to guard could be his ticket to redemption. For Dallas, Neal represents a high-upside gamble at a bargain price. His athleticism and pedigree make him a tantalizing addition, even if he’ll need to compete with incumbent starter Greg Van Roten and former Buccaneers lineman Aaron Stinnie for a starting role.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski notes that Neal’s performance in training camp will be pivotal: “The Giants are still trying to figure out if they can save his career… Depending on how the transition [to guard] goes, Neal will find a new home—either at guard or with another team.” For the Cowboys, this trade is a low-risk, high-reward move to bolster their line with a player who could rediscover his elite potential in a new environment.
The Cowboys’ running back situation has been a glaring weak spot, with Pro Football Focus ranking their backfield as the NFL’s worst in early July. While rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue has turned heads in training camp—silencing doubters about his work ethic, as confirmed by RB coach Derrick Foster—the trio of Blue, Javonte Williams, and Miles Sanders lacks the proven punch needed to elevate Dallas’ ground game.
Devin Singletary, another piece of the Cowboys’ trade haul, could change that. The veteran running back, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his tenure with the Giants, is a potential RB1 for Dallas. With New York leaning toward second-year back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and rookie Cam Skattebo proving capable, Singletary became expendable. Sobleski highlights the Giants’ shifting priorities: “With Tracy emerging as Big Blue’s lead back, Singletary’s value drops dramatically… the organization may decide to go in a different direction.” For Dallas, Singletary is a proven playmaker who can add stability and explosiveness to a backfield in dire need of both.
This trade is a masterstroke for the Cowboys, who not only address two critical areas of need but also weaken a division rival in the process. By parting with just a 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, Dallas secures two players with starting potential at a fraction of their market value. The Giants, meanwhile, clear roster space and cap flexibility, but lose depth and talent in a move that could haunt them in divisional matchups.
For Cowboys fans, this deal is a beacon of hope amid an injury-riddled preseason. With Evan Neal fortifying the offensive line and Devin Singletary injecting life into the running game, Dallas is poised to make a statement. The NFC East just got a lot more interesting—and the Cowboys are ready to draw first blood.