Dallas adds top talent, and keeps top picks, too

After a lot of lead-in by the team’s owner, the Dallas Cowboys did, indeed, have a couple tricks up their sleeve on trade deadline day.

Dallas made a pair of deals on Tuesday, one that undoubtedly qualifies as a “blockbuster” and another that could secure a defensive starter for the next season or two.

What do our experts think of the Cowboys’ trades for Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson?

The Dallas Morning News’ Cowboys columnists and insiders wrap up a busy Cowboys deadline day and offer up their grades of the moves below.

Cowboys

Tim Cowlishaw

Cowboys fans spent most of Tuesday morning thinking a seventh-round pick for linebacker Logan Wilson was all Huckster Jerry had up his sleeve. Then the real work got done, and the Cowboys suddenly had one of the 2-3 best defensive tackles in the game while still maintaining two first-round picks in the coming draft. That’s a long-term victory even if this season appears lost.

Grade: A-minus

Joseph Hoyt

I understand the skepticism about the price the Cowboys paid for Quinnen Williams. I understand the worry about investing in another highly-paid defensive lineman. But I also appreciate the willingness to recognize past mistakes and remedy it with good, proven players. I think this helps the Cowboys in the present and future. Also, I think Logan Wilson can step in and be a solid linebacker for them right after the bye.

Grade: B-plus

Calvin Watkins

The Cowboys could have stood with their current roster with the objective to improve through the draft. Not only did they improve the roster with these two trades, they didn’t give up their two first-round picks next year. It’s a good trade for the now and for the future.

Grade: B

Cowboys trade deadline grades: See who gave Dallas an F for the Quinnen Williams move