Could Mike McCarthy’s return to the head coaching ranks lead to a trade pipeline of sorts between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys?
McCarthy was recently hired as the Steelers’ head coach after a brief hiatus in 2025. He had previously spent five seasons with the Cowboys (2020-2024) and 13 with the Packers (2006-2018), and some think those connections could lead to a reunion or two this offseason.
Cowboys Wire’s K.D. Drummond pitched a potentially interesting one, noting the Steelers could try to trade for veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Could New Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Try to Trade for Cowboys DT Kenny Clark?
GettyWould a reunion via trade with Cowboys DT Kenny Clark make sense for Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers?
“The two sides came together last May for the trade that brought the Cowboys George Pickens,” Drummond wrote, referencing last season’s trade between Dallas and Pittsburgh.
“One can’t ignore the connection here,” Drummond wrote on January 26. “The Dallas Cowboys acquired Clark in the trade for Micah Parsons last August. If the Cowboys choose to move on from one of their three, $20 million per year defensive tackles, Clark could be the one to go. And if that’s the case, perhaps McCarthy is looking to reunite.”
McCarthy knows Clark well, as he was leading the way when the Packers drafted the DT in the first round in 2016, during McCarthy’s tenure as Green Bay’s head coach. McCarthy wasn’t in Green Bay for Clark’s three Pro Bowl seasons (2019, 2021 and 2023), but he was part of the organization that evaluated Clark and liked him enough to draft him in Round 1.
For his part, Clark, 30, is coming off his first season in Dallas. He’d likely be open to a trade due to his familiarity with McCarthy. In some ways, Clark and the rest of the Cowboys defense will be starting over in 2026, as new DC Christian Parker will be installing his defense.
Cowboys Have Interesting Situation Brewing in Their DTs Room
After acquiring Clark in 2025, the Cowboys continued to invest heavily in the interior defensive line. Dallas later traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, giving the team two high-priced, proven starters at the same position. Williams and Clark joined Osa Odighizuwa, who was already the team’s established starter on the interior.
Clark has a cap hit of more than $21 million in 2026, which includes a significant roster bonus due early in the league year. He has two more years left on his $64 million contract. Williams is also set to ink a lucrative new deal, and Odighizuwa is younger and more valuable, so that would make Clark the most logical trade candidate of the group.
From McCarthy’s perspective, it’s easy to see why a reunion might be appealing. The new Steelers coach would be acquiring a player he knows, and his squad could use some depth on the D-line.
The Steelers’ defensive interior features Cameron Heyward, who is 36 and nearing the end of his career. Keeanu Benton is a solid interior piece, but Clark would give the group immediate stability and experience without requiring a long-term commitment.
If the Cowboys decide they don’t want to keep both Clark and Williams is unnecessary in 2026, McCarthy and the Steelers are positioned to be one of the first teams to explore a deal. Stay tuned.
Mike McCarthy Could Be ‘Looking to Reunite’ With Cowboys $64 Million Veteran