On Friday, there was a brief moment when it seemed like the Cowboys were on the verge of finalizing a significant contract extension. However, that speculation quickly faded, as the team made a strategic move by trading cornerback Nahshon Wright to the Vikings in exchange for cornerback Andrew Booth Jr.. This trade reflects the Cowboys’ ongoing efforts to optimize their roster and enhance their defensive lineup.

Wright entered training camp facing a daunting challenge, holding one of the most precarious positions on the team. A third-round pick in 2021 during Dan Quinn’s inaugural year in Dallas, Wright struggled to make an impact on the field. Over his three seasons with the team, he participated in 32 games, starting in only 3, with a significant portion of his snaps coming from special teams, totaling almost 70%. His limited playtime raised questions about his future with the Cowboys.

Despite a few moments of promise, such as a stretch towards the end of the 2022 season, Wright’s performance did not warrant increased playing time. Ultimately, the Cowboys opted to bench him in favor of moving safety Israel Mukuamu to the slot as they entered the postseason. As the new season approached, Wright was deemed at high risk of being cut, especially with Quinn now in Washington and his successor, Mike Zimmer, having drafted cornerback Caelen Carson.

Similarly, Booth’s journey with the Vikings has been marked by challenges. Selected as the 42nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Booth’s first season came after Minnesota parted ways with Zimmer. His rookie year saw limited action, primarily on special teams, before he managed to log defensive snaps during a Week 9 win. Unfortunately, he suffered a meniscus tear that sidelined him for the remainder of the season, stalling his development.

In the wake of Booth’s rookie season, the Vikings revamped their defensive strategy under a new coordinator. This transition, coupled with Booth’s recovery, resulted in minimal opportunities for him in the following year. He did not see a single snap on defense during the first month of the season, ultimately finishing the year with only 13% of defensive snaps, which raised concerns about his future with the team.

Entering a pivotal year for his career, Booth faced significant pressure to secure a spot on the roster, albeit with a slightly better chance than Wright. By trading Wright for Booth, the Cowboys not only bolstered their cornerback depth but also gained valuable salary cap space for the current year, enhancing their overall financial flexibility.

This trade is favorable for Dallas on multiple fronts. Booth brings considerably more upside, having entered the NFL following an impressive collegiate career with the Clemson Tigers. Many analysts had high expectations for him, with Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranking him as the fourth-best cornerback in the 2022 NFL Draft. Brugler’s scouting report highlighted Booth’s ability to excel in both man and zone coverage, showcasing his versatility and potential as a defensive asset.

A two-year starter at Clemson, Booth excelled as an outside cornerback under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables’ schemes, demonstrating proficiency in both man and zone coverages, including bail and side-saddle techniques. A highly rated recruit, he improved significantly over his final three years, notably in his junior season, where he delivered outstanding performances against formidable SEC opponents like Georgia and South Carolina.

Booth possesses remarkable lower-body speed and hip-flip abilities, allowing him to mirror routes effectively and remain in position to make pivotal plays on the ball. He takes his responsibilities seriously in the run game, showcasing a downhill aggressiveness that enhances his tackling ability. While there are aspects of his game that require refinement, his athleticism and knack for disrupting plays indicate a promising future.

Overall, Booth’s playing style exhibits volatility, and he must enhance his spatial awareness, but his fluid athleticism and ability to find the football are critical components for excelling in the cornerback position. With NFL-caliber starting traits, if he remains healthy, he is poised to thrive in a man-heavy defensive scheme.

Although Booth was drafted after Zimmer’s departure from the Vikings, his scouting report aligns closely with the traits Zimmer seeks in cornerbacks: vision, ball skills, adaptability in coverage schemes, and a proactive approach in run support. His expertise in man coverage makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ defensive strategy under Quinn, which is why he was identified as a potential trade target last season.

Booth now joins the Cowboys, costing them a player who was unlikely to secure a spot on the roster this year. He will have the opportunity to play under Zimmer, whose system seems to suit Booth’s skills perfectly. Furthermore, he will be mentored by Al Harris, who has played a vital role in the rapid development of players like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.

Initially, Booth will not be relied upon to take on a significant role, but he should receive ample playing time during the preseason as the team assesses its roster. Notably, Booth was considered a borderline first-round talent just two years ago, entering an environment where he could rediscover the form that made him a standout in college. The potential he brings makes this trade a significant upgrade for the Cowboys, enhancing their defensive prospects.