Imagine a powerhouse NFL team boasting a quarterback who's performing at an MVP-caliber level, only to find themselves mired in mediocrity and staring down the barrel of a disappointing season – that's the stark reality facing the Dallas Cowboys right now. But here's where it gets controversial: Are they about to shake things up with bold moves at the trade deadline, or is this just empty talk? Let's dive in and unpack what Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been saying, and why it could redefine their season.
Currently sitting at a 2-3-1 record, the Cowboys have eked out victories against two teams with a dismal combined 2-10 mark. They're hovering in third place in their division, and their defense ranks a lowly 32nd in the entire league. Despite quarterback Dak Prescott delivering standout, award-worthy performances, the team appears stuck in neutral, with no clear path to playoff contention this year. For beginners wondering about NFL standings, think of it like a ladder where teams climb based on wins and losses – the Cowboys are climbing slowly, but their leaky defense is like a rung that's constantly giving way.
The upcoming games will be pivotal: a home matchup against the Washington Commanders followed by a road trip to face the Denver Broncos. These contests will essentially serve as a litmus test for whether the Cowboys should pivot aggressively at the trade deadline on November 4. But here's the part most people miss: The Cowboys aren't waiting for their record to dictate decisions. Instead, Jerry Jones has been vocal about considering trades for defensive reinforcements, no matter how their win-loss tally looks.
In a recent interview, Jones emphasized their proactive approach. 'We've always believed that if a golden opportunity arises to bolster our team via a trade before the deadline, we'd seize it,' said the Cowboys owner on Tuesday, as reported by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 'That's precisely why we set ourselves up at the start of the season – to have the resources ready for flexibility.' To clarify for newcomers, the NFL trade deadline is like a shopping cutoff date mid-season when teams can swap players to address weaknesses, often involving future draft picks as currency.
Their 'ammunition' stems from the blockbuster deal that sent star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. In exchange, the Cowboys secured the Packers' first-round draft picks for the next two years (2025 and 2026). However, they sacrificed their own third-round pick in 2026 to acquire wide receiver George Pickens, meaning they've got some valuable assets but not a full arsenal. 'We're equipped to pull off a trade,' Jones noted. 'That doesn't guarantee we will, but we deliberately built this flexibility from day one, allowing us to tweak our roster now and in the coming years.'
Adding to their leverage is the cap space created by the Parsons trade. The Cowboys rank second in the league with over $31 million available under the salary cap this season – that's like having extra cash in the bank for unexpected purchases. Jones highlighted the savvy financial move with an example: 'One big perk from our Green Bay deal is that Kenny Clark earns about $22 million annually, but we're only paying him $2 million right now. We're essentially fielding a $20-million-plus player for a bargain, and he's performing at an elite level. This alone has freed us up, removing those 'hand cramps' we might've had before – you know, the tightness in budget that prevents smart investments.' For those new to football finance, the salary cap limits how much a team can spend on players, and saving money on one star allows spending on others.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is slated to return to practice soon, which is encouraging, but that position is just one of many on defense crying out for upgrades. Honestly, the Cowboys could benefit from reinforcements at almost every defensive spot – think linebackers, edge rushers, cornerbacks, and safeties. It's a glaring issue that's keeping them from dominating games.
Yet, here's where opinions might diverge sharply: Pursuing a trade for defensive help doesn't make sense if the Cowboys drop to 2-5-1 after these next two games. (Remember, they face the Arizona Cardinals right before the deadline.) Some fans might argue it's reckless to gamble precious draft picks on a sinking ship, potentially mortgaging future seasons for an uncertain present. Others could see it as a bold, owner-like gamble to salvage what's left of 2024. Is Jerry Jones prioritizing short-term fixes over long-term building, or is this the savvy maneuver of a veteran executive? And this is the part most people miss: What if the Cowboys use their cap space and picks not just to patch the defense, but to create a dynasty? Could trading now prove visionary, or is it a recipe for regret?
Do you agree with Jerry Jones's philosophy of trading proactively, even if the Cowboys aren't winning big? Should they hold onto their assets for future drafts instead? And what's your take on the broader debate: Is fixing a weak defense worth the cost of high-value picks? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear your takes and spark some lively discussions!
