The Dallas Cowboys could be on the brink of shaking things up again before the NFL's trade deadline – but is chasing short-term glory worth sacrificing long-term assets? Dive in as we unpack the latest from owner Jerry Jones, who insists his team is stocked with 'ammo' for potential deals. But here's where it gets controversial: Are the Cowboys prioritizing quick fixes over building patiently for the future?
With just three weeks until the deadline – that pivotal moment in the NFL season when teams can swap players and picks to bolster their rosters – the Cowboys have a history of making bold moves. Think back to 2018, when they sent a first-round pick to the Raiders for wide receiver Amari Cooper, or last year, acquiring cornerback Jonathan Mingo with a fourth-round selection. Over the past seven seasons, Dallas has pulled off six in-season trades leading up to the deadline. Could 2025 turn into the seventh in eight years? It's a tantalizing possibility, especially for fans eager for action.
Jerry Jones, who doubles as the team's general manager, opened up after a press conference tied to the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl, a prestigious all-star game showcasing college talent. 'We've always believed that if a trade opportunity arises to strengthen our squad this year, we'll seize it,' he shared. 'That's why we set ourselves up from the start with the tools to make it happen.' This isn't a new tune from Jones; he's been vocal in recent weeks about being open to deals, as long as they're the right fit. That said, nothing concrete is brewing right now – it's all about waiting for that phone to ring.
And this is the part most people miss: If the Cowboys do strike a trade, it's almost certain they'll target defensive reinforcements. Right now, their defense ranks dead last in the league for yards allowed per game, a stark statistic that even newcomers to NFL analysis can grasp as a clear sign of vulnerability. Jones emphasized that any such move wouldn't just be about surviving 2025; it'd also eye the bigger picture, enhancing the team's depth for years ahead. 'If a trade could boost our defense, we're equipped to make it happen,' he reiterated. 'But that doesn't guarantee we will – we just ensured flexibility in our roster plans from day one, and that extends into the next few seasons.'
What gives them this edge? Jones points to the 'ammo' amassed through shrewd deals, including two coveted first-round picks snagged from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for star linebacker Micah Parsons, plus the actual player they received: defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Here's a simple breakdown for those new to NFL cap talk – the salary cap limits how much a team can spend on players, and trade deals often involve salary swaps that can free up or complicate those budgets. In this case, the Cowboys are only footing about $2 million of Clark's hefty $20 million annual salary, with the Packers covering the rest. This arrangement provides Dallas with extra financial wiggle room, enabling trades that might otherwise be off-limits. It's like having extra cash in the bank for roster maneuvers, a pro move that keeps options open.
Of course, it's not all clear sailing. Jones and the Cowboys' brass have been hyping 'help is on the way' with injured players poised to return, such as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. Yet, this adds a layer of uncertainty to any trade decision. How impactful will these guys be once back? Will their contributions plug the defensive holes enough to skip a trade? Jones admits it's tricky: 'Speculating on Overshown's effect on the defense is just that – speculation. The same goes for Revel. These nuances require careful weighing: assessing the potential of our returning players versus bringing in someone new through a trade.'
Looking ahead, Jones hinted he'd be eyeing opportunities after the team's bye week. But as with any big decision, opinions are divided. On one hand, a trade could provide immediate relief to a struggling defense, potentially turning around a lackluster season. On the other, trading away future high picks might hinder long-term rebuilding efforts – especially if the acquired player doesn't pan out. Is this a calculated risk or a gamble driven by desperation? And with returning talent in the mix, are the Cowboys better off waiting rather than depleting their draft capital?
What do you think? Should the Cowboys pull the trigger on a trade to shore up their defense, or is patience the wiser path, especially with help on the horizon? Share your take in the comments – do you agree with Jones's approach, or is there a counterpoint we missed?
