On Sunday afternoon, Dallas Cowboys’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-owner Stephen Jones sat down with reporters to discuss the team’s progress, recent moves, and the vision for the 2025 season. Known for his strategic mindset and active involvement in roster decisions, Stephen Jones shared insights into the Cowboys’ approach to the off-season, including trade acquisitions, draft picks, player development, and the team’s overall outlook.
In this report, we will examine the key points Stephen Jones made during his conversation with the media, shedding light on the thinking behind the Cowboys’ recent moves. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the team’s strategy for not only improving in the short term but also setting themselves up for long-term success.
Building a Sustainable Winning Culture
One of the major takeaways from Stephen Jones’ conversation was the emphasis on building a culture that balances both the present and future. While there’s undeniable pressure on the Cowboys to win now, particularly with an elite roster headlined by stars such as Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb, Jones reiterated that the team is committed to sustainability. His comments echoed the front office’s broader approach, which has centered around smart, forward-thinking moves.
Jones discussed the balance between “win-now” decisions and the long-term vision for the team, highlighting that the Cowboys’ goal is not just to build a team that is competitive this year, but one that can remain competitive for years to come. This philosophy is evident in the Cowboys’ approach to roster building, player development, and salary cap management.
“Everything we do, every decision we make, it’s not just about this season,” Jones said. “It’s about creating something sustainable that allows us to contend year after year.”
In particular, the Cowboys have been methodical in making sure that they aren’t sacrificing future cap flexibility for short-term success. Stephen Jones’ focus on building depth across the roster reflects this long-term mindset. This approach allows the Cowboys to take calculated risks when necessary, while also ensuring that they’re well-positioned for continued success in future seasons.
Evaluating Trades and Free-Agent Acquisitions
Stephen Jones provided valuable insight into the Cowboys’ recent moves in the trade and free-agent market, particularly when it comes to adding new talent to the roster. The Cowboys’ front office has been busy this off-season, making targeted moves to shore up the roster in key positions, including wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker.
Wide Receiver Position
One of the most talked-about additions to the Cowboys’ roster this off-season was the acquisition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The 29-year-old Cooks was traded to Dallas from the Houston Texans, adding a proven deep threat to complement CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys have long been searching for a legitimate No. 2 receiver to take some of the pressure off Lamb, and Cooks is seen as an ideal fit for the role. Cooks brings an established pedigree as one of the league’s top vertical threats and is capable of stretching the field and creating big-play opportunities.
“Brandin Cooks is a guy who can take the top off defenses,” Jones noted. “He gives Dak Prescott another weapon that can open up the offense. We’ve always been looking for a guy who can add speed and explosiveness to the group, and we think Cooks can really do that.”
Cooks’ speed, reliability, and proven ability to produce at a high level in both the passing and run game make him an invaluable asset. With Cooks, Lamb, and Michael Gallup (who is continuing his recovery from injury), the Cowboys’ receiving corps now has a much more dynamic look.
Defensive Line and Linebacker Additions
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys made a key trade acquisition by bringing in Stephon Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Gilmore, who was acquired from the Indianapolis Colts, provides a veteran presence and elite coverage ability that complements the younger Trevon Diggs, forming one of the best cornerback tandems in the league.
Jones shared that Gilmore’s addition was a move the Cowboys were “excited about” and that it gives defensive coordinator Dan Quinn more flexibility to run various coverages and schemes.
“Stephon Gilmore is a guy who has been elite for a long time,” Jones said. “When you add a player of his caliber to an already strong defense, it only makes us better. We now have a lockdown corner opposite Trevon Diggs, and that’s a luxury we’re excited about.”
The Cowboys also made moves in their front seven. Jones pointed out that while the defensive line was strong, particularly in terms of pass rush with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, they still needed help in the middle. This was especially true against the run, where the Cowboys had some inconsistencies in previous seasons.
“The key thing we’re looking at is not just rushing the passer but being able to stop the run,” Jones said. “We added some pieces there that should help shore up that part of the defense. The middle of the defense is just as important as the outside, and we feel like we’ve addressed that area.”
Offensive Line Depth
The Cowboys have long prided themselves on having one of the most dominant offensive lines in the NFL, but with age and injuries taking a toll on the group, they’ve focused on adding depth this off-season. Stephen Jones noted that the Cowboys’ offensive line remains a top priority, with a focus on both maintaining the current core and developing younger players for the future.
“We’ve got some great veterans on the offensive line, but we also know that we need to keep building depth and competition in that group,” Jones explained. “We’ve been adding pieces to create competition and ensure that we’re ready for whatever happens.”
The Cowboys were able to draft an offensive lineman in the early rounds and add a few free-agent options to create competition in training camp. This depth will be crucial for Dak Prescott’s protection and the continued success of Tony Pollard and the running game.
Dallas Cowboys’ Approach to the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Stephen Jones emphasized that the Cowboys’ strategy is focused on building the team’s future while also addressing immediate needs. The team has a strong draft position and intends to utilize its picks wisely.
While specific targets weren’t mentioned, Jones did note that the team was considering several different positions and that the draft could be an opportunity to secure additional talent at positions where they’ve identified a need. With a relatively solid starting lineup, the Cowboys can afford to focus on depth and future development.
“We’re in a good position with the draft this year,” Jones said. “We’re always looking to add talent, whether it’s a young player who can step in and help right away or someone who can contribute down the line.”
Given the Cowboys’ success in recent drafts, including standout picks like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb, the team is in a position where they can draft for both immediate impact and long-term stability.
The Dak Prescott Factor
One of the central themes of Stephen Jones’ conversation was the importance of quarterback Dak Prescott to the team’s success. As the face of the franchise, Prescott is integral to the Cowboys’ chances at a Super Bowl in 2025 and beyond. However, the team is also aware of the need to continually support Prescott with talent around him, and that’s where many of the recent moves come in.
When asked about Prescott’s development and role moving forward, Jones stressed that the organization is committed to Dak as the long-term leader of the Cowboys.
“We’re all-in on Dak Prescott,” Jones stated. “He’s our guy. We know what he brings to the table, and we’ve continued to surround him with pieces to succeed. We’ve added depth at wide receiver, tightened up the offensive line, and bolstered the defense. Our focus is on making sure Dak has everything he needs to take us where we want to go.”
For the Cowboys to truly contend for a Super Bowl, it’s clear that Dak Prescott will need to continue to elevate his game, especially in the postseason. The team’s moves this off-season, particularly in terms of adding playmakers and increasing protection, are aimed at maximizing Prescott’s potential and ensuring that he has the support to lead the Cowboys deep into the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Super Bowl or Bust
Stephen Jones wrapped up his remarks by discussing the ultimate goal for the team: a Super Bowl championship. While the Cowboys have been competitive in recent years, the franchise has not advanced past the NFC Championship Game since 1995. For the Cowboys’ front office, the bar is set high, and anything less than a championship is considered a failure.
“As a team, we’re not satisfied just getting to the playoffs. We want to win it all,” Jones said. “Our fans expect that. Our team expects that. And that’s our ultimate goal: a Super Bowl.”
The pressure is on, and it’s clear that the Cowboys are taking a calculated, strategic approach to ensure they have the pieces in place to contend for a title in 2025. With talent across the roster and a clear vision for the future, Stephen Jones and the Cowboys appear ready to make their best push in years.