The Dallas Cowboys, sitting at a disappointing 3-4 record, are still incredibly open to buying at the NFL trade deadline. That’s the word from executive Stephen Jones, who told 105.3 The Fan on Friday that despite their early-season struggles, the team is looking to make moves, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. This is a team that’s struggling, sitting on a historic low number of future draft picks, and still ready to go all-in. Talk about high stakes, right?
Digging for Defensive Gems in a Shaky Start
Jones was blunt about the team’s current defensive performance. He said they’re “certainly wouldn’t say we’re anywhere close to where we want to be in terms of pressure on the opposing team’s quarterbacks.” You don’t need to be a GM to know that’s a problem! They’ve already brought in cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Steelers earlier this season, showing a willingness to acquire players. But Jones made it clear: they’re not stopping there if the right opportunity comes up. He emphasized that “player acquisition” is always on the table, and they’re “certainly not opposed to that” if it makes sense for the team. It sounds like they believe the solution to their pass-rushing woes is out there, and they’re ready to chase it.
What’s the Price Tag for This Deadline Gamble?
Of course, the price of doing business at the trade deadline can be insane. The Chicago Bears just coughed up two first-round picks for Jeffery Simmons, which sets a wild precedent. But Jones wasn’t deterred, pointing to the Cowboys’ own history of making big splashes, like giving up a first- and second-rounder for Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets last fall. He confidently stated, “We feel like our hands around what value is in the market, and if the right situation’s there, and we feel good about it, feel good about what the player can do for us, then we’re certainly, as we’ve shown, not afraid to move on those instincts.” Here’s the kicker, though: the Cowboys currently hold just four picks in the entire 2027 draft. Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that would be the lowest single-draft total in franchise history. Four picks! And they’re still talking about *buying*? That’s a serious bet on immediate returns over future planning.
Divisional Weakness and Upcoming Showdowns
The urgency might be fueled by the state of their division. Even with their 3-4 record, the Cowboys are still in second place in an injury-weakened NFC East. They’re behind the New York Giants, who are 4-2-1, but ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) and the Washington Commanders (1-4-1). This division is wide open, which probably makes Jones and the front office think they’re only one or two pieces away from really making a run. The team faces two potential deadline sellers before the trade window slams shut on November 10: a home game against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and a road trip to face the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles also play the Commanders and Giants in that same stretch. The results of those games are going to play a massive role in whether the Cowboys go for a big swing, or if they decide to hold onto what little draft capital they have left. The next few weeks are going to be wild, with the trade deadline looming and this team clearly ready to make some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply