The Future of the Cowboys Could Be Upended by Jerry Jones’ Next Decision
For more than three decades, Jerry Jones has been at the helm of one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL: the Dallas Cowboys. His ownership has been marked by ambitious moves, both on and off the field, as he’s shaped the Cowboys into a brand that transcends sports and speaks to millions of fans. However, as the team struggles to find its way back to the Super Bowl, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Jones’ next decision could either solidify the Cowboys as legitimate contenders or drastically alter the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
The Legacy of Jerry Jones
When Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 for $140 million, few could have predicted the impact he would have on the NFL. The Cowboys had won three Super Bowls in the 1970s, but they were entering a new era when Jones took over. The team was in a state of flux, and Jones quickly made his mark by firing legendary head coach Tom Landry, an act that stunned the NFL community.
However, Jones was willing to take risks, and that willingness led to success. In the early 1990s, he brought in the likes of Jimmy Johnson as head coach and built one of the most dominant teams in NFL history. The Cowboys won three Super Bowls in four years (1992, 1993, 1995), cementing Jones’ place in NFL history as a visionary owner who wasn’t afraid to make bold decisions.
Yet, despite those early successes, the Cowboys have struggled to return to championship glory. Since their last Super Bowl win in 1995, the franchise has only reached the NFC Championship Game once, in 1995. The Cowboys have become known as “America’s Team,” but not for their on-field success; instead, it’s their brand that has endured.
While the Cowboys remain one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, their lack of recent success on the field has led to growing frustration among fans, pundits, and perhaps most importantly, the team’s owner, Jerry Jones.
A Frustrating Pattern
Over the last two decades, the Cowboys have shown glimpses of greatness, only to fall short when it matters most. From the Romo years to the Dak Prescott era, the team has consistently underperformed in big moments. Despite having talented rosters, the Cowboys have struggled to break through, leaving fans asking: when will the team finally get over the hump?
Jones’ decisions have been both lauded and criticized throughout his tenure, and they will undoubtedly continue to define the Cowboys’ future. However, there is one decision looming on the horizon that could forever alter the team’s trajectory: Jones’ next move as general manager.
The Role of Jerry Jones as GM
One of the most unique aspects of Jerry Jones’ ownership is that he also serves as the Cowboys’ general manager. While most NFL teams have a separate GM to handle player acquisitions and personnel decisions, Jones has always maintained control over the team’s roster. This has led to mixed results.
On one hand, Jones has had the foresight to make some key moves that have paid off in the long run. He played a critical role in bringing in stars like quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and linebacker Micah Parsons. Jones has also been involved in successful draft classes, adding a mix of young talent to complement the existing roster.
However, Jones’ hands-on approach has also been criticized for the team’s inability to consistently build championship-winning squads. Over the years, the Cowboys have been accused of failing to address critical needs in the roster, whether it’s the offensive line, defensive secondary, or pass-rusher positions. In some cases, Jones’ personal relationships with certain players and coaches have been blamed for keeping the team from making bold, necessary changes.
Perhaps the most glaring example of Jones’ controversial approach as GM is the long-standing debate over the Cowboys’ head coach. Despite having one of the most coveted positions in professional football, Dallas has often struggled to find a coach who can turn the team into a perennial Super Bowl contender.
Jason Garrett, who served as head coach from 2010 to 2019, had moments of success but ultimately failed to deliver consistent playoff wins. While Garrett had a relatively stable tenure, his inability to reach the next level led to his departure. This opened the door for Mike McCarthy, who brought his own set of experiences, but the results have been underwhelming. While McCarthy’s team has been competitive, they’ve yet to make the deep playoff runs that fans expect from such a high-profile franchise.
It’s clear that, for better or worse, Jones is fully invested in his vision for the Cowboys. He has rarely shown an inclination to relinquish control, and this hands-on approach has been a key part of his leadership style. But this may be the very thing that holds the team back from achieving its full potential.
The Coaching Dilemma
As the Cowboys look ahead to the next phase of their franchise’s history, the question of who will lead the team from the sideline remains a pivotal one. Mike McCarthy, despite his Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers, has not been able to replicate that success in Dallas.
Jones has remained steadfast in his support of McCarthy, but the question remains: will he stick with the current coaching staff or make a change? Many fans and analysts have called for the Cowboys to look for a new coach, one who can bring a fresh perspective and the ability to develop young talent into a championship team.
If Jones decides to part ways with McCarthy, it will mark the third time in the last decade that the Cowboys have had to search for a new head coach. The potential instability at the top could further complicate the team’s quest for success. However, if Jones decides to remain loyal to McCarthy, it will signal a commitment to stability, but it might also result in more of the same mediocre results that have plagued the franchise in recent years.
The Quarterback Question
Another key decision that looms over the Cowboys’ future is what to do with Dak Prescott, the team’s starting quarterback. Prescott has been the face of the franchise since he took over as the starter in 2016, but his performance in big games has often been called into question.
While Prescott has posted impressive numbers during the regular season, he has struggled in the postseason, with several early playoff exits. The question surrounding Prescott is whether he can lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory or if the team needs to explore other options at quarterback. Jones has shown unwavering support for Prescott, but there is growing sentiment that the team might need to make a change at the position if it hopes to get back to the top.
Prescott is entering the prime years of his career, but the Cowboys will need to make a decision on his future soon. If Jones chooses to invest in Prescott for the long haul, it will set the tone for the team’s future. If Jones decides to part ways with the franchise quarterback, it will create significant turmoil and uncertainty for the Cowboys.
The Front Office Decision
One of the most pressing decisions facing Jones is how he approaches the front office. While Jones has had success in overseeing the team’s operations, there has been growing pressure for him to bring in more experienced football executives to help run the organization. Jones has been known for his close relationships with his staff, but there are signs that the Cowboys might benefit from a more structured approach.
In recent years, some of the most successful franchises in the NFL have operated with a more collaborative approach in the front office, with clear divisions of responsibility between the ownership, general manager, and head coach. The Cowboys have often been criticized for lacking this kind of cohesion, and the team’s future may depend on whether Jones is willing to adjust his management style.
If Jones continues to maintain tight control over all aspects of the Cowboys, it could stifle the team’s growth and keep it from reaching the level of sustained success seen in other NFL franchises. Alternatively, if he loosens his grip and empowers more experienced individuals to make decisions, it could usher in a new era of success for the team.
The Financial Factor
Another factor that plays a critical role in the Cowboys’ future is their financial situation. The Cowboys are the most valuable franchise in the NFL and one of the richest sports organizations in the world. This financial power allows Jones to make bold moves in free agency and offer lucrative contracts to star players.
However, as the salary cap continues to become a more critical part of team-building, the Cowboys will need to make strategic decisions about their roster. The team has several high-priced players, such as Prescott and Elliott, whose contracts could limit the team’s ability to build a balanced, championship-caliber roster.
Jones’ decision-making in regard to player contracts will have a major impact on the team’s future success. Will he continue to commit large amounts of money to aging veterans, or will he focus on building a younger, more dynamic team? This decision will be pivotal in determining whether the Cowboys are a Super Bowl contender in the coming years.
Conclusion
The future of the Dallas Cowboys is on a precipice, and Jerry Jones’ next decisions could be the difference between maintaining the status quo or ushering in a new era of success. Whether it’s deciding on a new coach, committing to Dak Prescott for the long term, or altering the front office structure, Jones will be responsible for charting the course for the team’s future.
As one of the most high-profile and successful owners in NFL history, Jones’ legacy is already secure. However, the pressure to win another Super Bowl is mounting. The Cowboys’ fans, the media, and even Jones himself are all asking the same question: can Jerry Jones make the right move to take the team back to glory? The answer may well depend on the next big decision he makes.