NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Could Trade for Detroit Lions Nick Fairley

The Dallas Cowboys might try to give their defensive line a boost by acquiring Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley in a potential trade. According to FanSided, the Cowboys could be interested in trading for Fairley, whose future with Detroit is up in the air.

Fairley, the 13th overall pick in 2011 NFL Draft, is coming off a breakout season in which he recorded a career-high 35 tackles and six sacks. Together, with defensive standout Ndamukong Suh, Fairley thrived on the Lions defense last season, but the increase in his production won't secure him a lucrative long-term contract.

According to Lambert, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has the option to lock down Fairley for a new contract, but wants to see more consistency in the 26-year-old defensive end before making a final decision.

"Mayhew stated that Fairley is at a crossroads in Detroit. He looks great for stretches and then tends to disappear. Mayhew wants more consistency from him before considering the option but it does raise the question about how long Fairley has been in hot water," FanSided reported.

With teams currently looking to improve their lineups through free agency signings or trades during the offseason, the Cowboys are seen as one of the teams that should be closely watched in the trade market.

NFL analysts believe Fairley could be an ideal fit alongside defensive tackle Henry Melton, whose presence helps clog up holes in the Cowboys defensive line.

"Most experts believe they will seek out that player in the NFL draft but if the situation deteriorates with Fairley in Detroit, they might find better value in a trade," FanSided reported.

Fairley has 84 tackles and 12.5 sacks in his three-year career with the Lions.