The Dallas Cowboys' season is teetering on the brink, their record a disappointing 2-3-1. But Jerry Jones, the team's owner and general manager, isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet! He believes they're still in the hunt for a playoff spot, and he's even open to making a trade to bolster the defense. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Jones's optimism justified, or is he just trying to put a positive spin on a struggling team?
According to ESPN's Todd Archer, Jones's spirits were lifted by the Washington Commanders' loss to the Chicago Bears. This defeat keeps the Cowboys within striking distance of the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (4-2), who have stumbled with two consecutive losses. The Commanders, at 3-3, are the Cowboys' next opponent, visiting AT&T Stadium this Sunday.
"It just reminded me that we are still in it," Jones declared at an event announcing the East-West Shrine Bowl's future location. He pointed to the parity across the league and the impact of injuries on teams, including the Cowboys themselves. Jones is encouraged by quarterback Dak Prescott's performance and hopeful that the team can string together some wins as players return from injury. "The last thing that I'm thinking about is in any way being out of the hunt."
And this is the part most people miss... Jones's determination to compete could mean big changes are on the horizon. With the NFL trade deadline just three weeks away, the Cowboys have ammunition to make a deal. They possess extra first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, acquired from the Micah Parsons trade, and a substantial $31 million in salary cap space, according to NFLPA figures.
Remember the 2018 season? The Cowboys were 3-4 and struggling on offense when they traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper. That move revitalized the team, leading to a 7-2 finish and a divisional-round playoff appearance. Could a similar trade be in the works to address the Cowboys' defensive woes? The Cowboys currently rank last in the league in yards allowed per game (411.7) and second to last in points allowed per game (30.7). Ouch!
"Well, if there is a trade that would help the defense, we're in position to make that trade," Jones stated, leaving the door wide open for potential acquisitions.
Jones alluded to the financial flexibility gained from trading Micah Parsons, even though it was a tough decision. Parsons's contract, even without an extension, would have counted $21 million against the Cowboys' salary cap. The player they received in return, Kenny Clark, is only counting roughly $2 million. "That alone has increased our flexibility of being able to look at potential trades right now whereas you might have had hand cramps before," he joked. "So we're in position to look at a trade. That doesn't mean we're going to make one." But the implication is clear: they're actively exploring options.
The Cowboys' defensive struggles are multifaceted, impacting every level of the unit. While Jones expresses confidence in the pass rush depth, the team has only managed 11 sacks. Linebacker play has been inconsistent, and the secondary has been vulnerable to big plays.
The Cowboys are hoping some of their defensive problems can be solved internally, either through scheme adjustments or the return of injured players. Jones mentioned that linebacker DeMarvion Overshown could return after the team's bye week on November 9th, although he's recovering from a significant knee injury. Rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. could also make his debut after recovering from a torn ACL.
"We will weigh what are the likelihood of the players we've got coming back, how will they impact where that will put this team as opposed to should we add a player in a trade?" Jones explained. "And I don't have a trade in mind. At all. And that comes about right now if someone is on the phone calling." So, while he claims not to be actively pursuing a trade, he's certainly fielding calls and evaluating potential opportunities.
Ultimately, the Cowboys' decision on whether to make a trade will depend on a careful assessment of their existing players, their potential return from injury, and the available options on the trade market. It's a complex equation with high stakes.
Do you think Jerry Jones should make a trade to improve the Cowboys' defense? Or should they rely on internal improvements and the return of injured players? And was trading Micah Parsons the right move, even with the financial benefits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
