Jerry Jones is playing a dangerous game with the Cowboys’ future, risking everything for a fleeting moment of glory as he teases multiple trades ahead of the NFL deadline, reminiscent of political leaders making reckless decisions for short-term gain while ignoring long-term consequences.
The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise steeped in history and tradition, find themselves at a pivotal moment as the NFL trade deadline approaches. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has stirred the pot with his recent comments on SiriusXM’s The Stephen A. Smith Show, where he confirmed that the team has already completed one trade and hinted at the possibility of two more. This announcement has ignited speculation among fans and analysts alike about the direction the Cowboys are taking as they seek to bolster their roster.
The Cowboys have long been a team that thrives on high expectations and bold moves. With a storied history that includes five Super Bowl championships, the franchise has often been at the forefront of NFL discussions, whether for their on-field performance or off-field drama. Jones, known for his brash personality and willingness to take risks, has made it clear that he is not afraid to shake things up, especially when the stakes are high.
As the Cowboys prepare for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the urgency to make impactful trades is palpable. The team has struggled with defensive efficiency and has ranked near the bottom in sacks, prompting the need for immediate upgrades. Jones has indicated that any incoming players would be expected to contribute right away, which suggests that the Cowboys are looking for seasoned veterans rather than untested rookies.
The Cowboys’ current roster situation provides them with a unique advantage in the trade market. After trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers earlier in the season, Dallas has accumulated significant draft capital, holding two first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027, along with additional mid-round selections through 2029. This wealth of assets gives Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones the leverage to pursue high-profile players who could make an immediate impact.
Financially, the Cowboys are in a strong position as well. With over $30 million in available cap space, they have the flexibility to absorb veteran contracts and make multiple moves if the right opportunities arise. This financial cushion is crucial in a league where salary cap management can often dictate a team’s ability to compete.
In terms of potential trade targets, the Cowboys have a range of options that could fit their needs. In the Tier 1 category, players like Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals have been mentioned as dream acquisitions. Crosby, an All-Pro edge rusher, would be a game-changing addition to the Cowboys’ defense, though his hefty contract makes a trade unlikely. Hendrickson, on the other hand, has requested a trade and could be a more attainable target, providing proven pass-rushing ability.
Bradley Chubb of the Miami Dolphins is another name that continues to surface in trade discussions. With four sacks this season, Chubb could serve as a plug-and-play solution for the Cowboys’ defensive woes. However, the likelihood of landing such high-profile players remains uncertain, as teams are often reluctant to part with their star talents mid-season.
Moving to Tier 2, more realistic options include Logan Wilson from the Bengals and Demario Davis from the New Orleans Saints. Wilson, a linebacker who has consistently recorded over 100 tackles in recent seasons, could provide the Cowboys with the stability they need in the middle of their defense. Davis, while older at 36, remains an elite run defender and could serve as a short-term solution to bolster the Cowboys’ defensive front.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, a former All-Pro safety with the Dolphins, is also a high-cost but potentially high-reward option. With the Cowboys missing Malik Hooker, Fitzpatrick could fill a critical gap in their secondary. Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets, a 26-year-old Pro Bowler, could command a second-round pick or better, making him a valuable long-term asset for Dallas.
For those looking at more developmental or depth options, players like Jordyn Brooks from the Dolphins and Keeanu Benton from the Steelers could be intriguing targets. Brooks, an instinctive linebacker, is under contract through 2026, while Benton, a young 3-tech tackle, could help collapse the pocket from the interior.
The Cowboys may also consider trading from their own roster. Reports indicate that defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, is available. Smith has played in only five games this season, and his potential inclusion in a larger package for a veteran pass rusher could signal a shift in the Cowboys’ approach.
As the trade deadline looms, the Cowboys are at a crossroads. With Jones confirming at least one trade already completed, the team appears poised to leverage their stockpile of picks to shore up their defense. Whether they make a splash with a high-profile acquisition or opt for a more calculated approach with value moves, the decisions made in the coming days will have lasting implications for the franchise’s future.
The Cowboys’ history is filled with bold moves and high-stakes decisions, and as they navigate this trade deadline, the pressure is on to make the right choices. The NFL landscape is ever-changing, and the Cowboys must act decisively to remain competitive in a league where every move can alter the course of a season. With Jerry Jones at the helm, fans can expect nothing less than a thrilling ride as the Cowboys seek to reclaim their place among the NFL’s elite.
Jerry Jones teases multiple Cowboys trades ahead of NFL trade deadline: Top targets Dallas could pursue originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Jerry Jones has done it again. Less than 24 hours before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. NFL trade deadline, the Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager went on SiriusXM’s The Stephen A. Smith Show to confirm the team “has made one trade” and “may make two more.”
Sporting News writer Michael Dixon offered an inside look at how the announcement unfolded, reporting that Jones’ comments came live on air with Stephen A. Smith and Michael Irvin. Dixon detailed how the Cowboys owner teased multiple deals in motion before later clarifying the first trade “would be consummated on Tuesday,” giving fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Cowboys’ deadline maneuvering. Read Dixon’s full story on The Sporting News for a detailed breakdown of how the announcement went down.
What exactly that means remains unclear, but based on Jones’ comments and a flurry of reports, the picture is coming into focus.
Jones said any incoming players would “immediately be on the field” and “address some of the things that have been our shortcomings.” Given that the Cowboys rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and sacks, all signs point to an upgrade on that side of the ball.
It’s also worth noting that Dallas plays on Monday Night Football against Arizona, the final game of Week 9. With every other team already finished, it’s unlikely a player involved in a trade would suit up before the deal becomes official. That makes it far more probable that the Cowboys will be sending draft picks in any exchange, not players.
After dealing Micah Parsons to Green Bay before the season, Dallas is loaded with draft capital. The Cowboys now hold two first-rounders in both 2026 and 2027, along with extra mid-round selections through 2029. That gives Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones plenty of ammunition to buy aggressively at the deadline.
The Cowboys also have over $30 million in available cap space, the second-highest figure in the NFL behind only the New England Patriots. That financial flexibility gives Jones even more leverage to absorb veteran contracts and make multiple moves if the right opportunities arise.
Tier 1: Big-Name Splash Targets (Unlikely but Game-Changing)
Maxx Crosby, Raiders:TheSporting News’Daniel Mader floated the All-Pro edge rusher as Dallas’ dream acquisition, noting that he’s “as close to a Parsons-level defender as the Cowboys can get.” Crosby’s massive $106.5 million extension makes a deal unlikely, but it would instantly transform the defense. Read Mader’s full analysis on The Sporting News for his in-depth breakdown of Crosby’s fit.
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: A proven pass rusher with four sacks this season, Hendrickson has requested a trade and could headline a mid-tier deal if Cincinnati chooses to sell.
Bradley Chubb, Dolphins: Chubb’s name continues to surface in multiple reports. He has four sacks this year; he would be a plug-and-play solution for Dallas’ biggest weakness.
Tier 2: More Realistic, Win-Now Impact Moves
Logan Wilson, Bengals: The linebacker requested a trade earlier this season and has four consecutive 100-tackle campaigns. Mader lists Wilson among the most sensible targets, writing that he “fits perfectly beside Kenneth Murray Jr.”
Demario Davis, Saints: The 36-year-old veteran remains an elite run defender (84 tackles) and could serve as a short-term stabilizer in the middle.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dolphins:Mader also highlights the former All-Pro safety as a high-cost but high-reward option for a secondary missing Malik Hooker.Read more from Mader’s piece on The Sporting News for his full evaluation.
Jermaine Johnson, Jets: A 26-year-old Pro Bowler with length and speed, Johnson could command a second-round pick or better as a long-term edge replacement.
Malcolm Koonce, Raiders: A rising rotational pass rusher who would come much cheaper than teammate Crosby.
Arden Key, Titans: A reliable veteran with 4.5-plus sacks in each of the past four seasons.
Tier 3: Developmental and High-Upside Projects/Depth
Jordyn Brooks, Dolphins: An instinctive linebacker (93 tackles) who’s under contract through 2026.
Tyree Wilson, Raiders: The former top-10 pick out of Texas Tech could use a “homecoming” reset in a rotational role.
Keeanu Benton, Steelers: A young 3-tech tackle who can collapse the pocket from the interior.
Devin Bush, Browns: Mader names Bush as a cost-effective veteran stabilizer.
Alontae Taylor, Saints: Physical corner with starting experience who could fill in while Trevon Diggs recovers.
Riq Woolen, Seahawks: A 6-foot-4 corner with elite athleticism but a bumpy 2025 season.
Christian Harris, Texans: Athletic linebacker who would add speed to a slow Dallas unit.
If you want a deeper look at how each of these players could fit within Dallas’ defensive system,read Daniel Mader’s full analysis on The Sporting News, which breaks down the potential impact of some of these targets in greater detail.
Dallas could also look inward as a seller. Multiple outlets, including The Sporting News’ Mike Moraitis, have reported that defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, is available. Moraitis noted that Dallas “appears open to trading” Smith, who has played in only five games this year, suggesting he could be included in a larger package for a veteran pass rusher. Read Moraitis’ Cowboys trade tracker on The Sporting News for the latest updates on Smith and Dallas’ overall deadline activity.
With Jones confirming at least one trade already complete, the Cowboys appear ready to use their stockpile of picks to shore up their defense. Whether it’s a splash like Hendrickson or a value move like Brooks, Dallas is poised to stay relevant, exactly how Jerry Jones likes it.