Jerry Jones Discusses Free Agency, Trade Options, Draft, and More: A Focus on Team Strengths
As the NFL offseason officially kicks off, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is already in full swing discussing the team’s strategy for the upcoming year. One of the key takeaways from Jones’ recent comments is the abundance of options that the Cowboys have as they look to bolster their roster through free agency, trade options, and the draft. In particular, Jones highlighted the team’s strengths at several key positions, noting how the recent NFL Scouting Combine has provided clarity on their direction moving forward.
“We’ve got a lot of options,” Jones said during his latest media session. “The Combine actually emphasized that. There’s key players deep at key areas of the team—running back, defensive line, and outside pressure players.”
For Cowboys fans, this is an exciting revelation. With several key areas to address, Jones seems optimistic about the wealth of talent available, particularly at positions where the Cowboys could use a boost. The combination of free agency, trade opportunities, and the draft means that the team has multiple avenues to improve, and with Jones at the helm, Dallas is poised to make some strategic moves that could set them up for long-term success.
Free Agency: Key Decisions Ahead
Free agency is always one of the most exciting and volatile times in the NFL offseason, and for the Cowboys, this year is no exception. Jones has made it clear that the team will be active in exploring the free-agent market, particularly at positions that need strengthening.
“I think we have a lot of options with free agency,” Jones noted, adding that the team is always looking for ways to improve the roster. “But we’ve got to be smart, and we’ve got to make sure that we don’t overextend ourselves. We’re not just going to throw money around for the sake of it.”
This comment signals that the Cowboys are not only aiming to strengthen their team but also are prepared to make moves that make financial sense. With several high-value players like Jourdan Lewis, Dak Prescott, and others under contract, the Cowboys need to balance their financial commitments while still being able to make necessary upgrades.
In terms of free agency, Jones emphasized a few key positions where he believes the Cowboys could benefit from adding new talent. Running back, for example, is a position where the team could look to bring in another reliable player, especially with uncertainty surrounding Ezekiel Elliott’s future. Elliott’s status remains up in the air as the Cowboys evaluate their roster and decide whether to rework his deal or move on entirely. Free agency could be the route to go if they want to add a high-impact back who could help lighten the load on the rest of the offense.
Another area of concern for Jones is the defensive line, particularly with the need to continue to add depth behind star players like Micah Parsons. As Jones pointed out, there is depth in the free-agent market at defensive line, and the Cowboys could look to bring in a strong veteran presence who can contribute both against the run and in pass-rushing situations.
“We’ve been pretty successful with our defensive front, and I think we’ve got a chance to be even better this year,” Jones said. “Adding a few pieces could really help us take that next step.”
Trade Options: Exploring the Market for Value
Jones also hinted at the possibility of making moves via trade to address specific needs on the roster. While the Cowboys are generally averse to making splash trades, they are not shy about exploring deals that can provide value without giving up too much in return.
“We’re always looking at the trade market,” Jones explained. “We’ve got assets, and we want to make sure that we’re making the right decisions that help our team now and in the future.”
For the Cowboys, the trade market could be an interesting avenue to explore, especially when it comes to finding a complementary piece on offense or bolstering the defense. Jones mentioned the possibility of adding a proven edge rusher or a dynamic playmaker to the offense, but only if it makes sense for the team’s long-term goals.
“You can always look for ways to add talent, but it’s got to be a deal that makes sense,” Jones said. “You don’t just pull the trigger on a trade because you think it’s a good idea at the time. You need to think about how it fits into the long-term vision for the team.”
This measured approach to trade acquisitions signals that the Cowboys will be cautious with any major moves but remain open to opportunities that could significantly improve the team.
The Draft: Key Areas of Focus
One of the most exciting elements of the offseason is the NFL Draft, and for the Cowboys, this year’s draft is shaping up to be a key opportunity to strengthen the roster in several important areas. Jones’ comments highlighted the depth of talent at positions that the team will be targeting, with an emphasis on running back, defensive line, and outside pressure players—positions that could make a significant impact on both sides of the ball.
“Look, we’ve got some great players in these areas, and the Combine really emphasized that,” Jones said, referring to the standout performances by draft prospects in Indianapolis. “There’s depth, there’s talent, and there are players who could come in and make an immediate impact.”
Running Back: A Critical Need
The running back position remains one of the Cowboys’ most pressing needs, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Elliott’s future in Dallas. The team will need to decide whether to move on from Elliott and look for a replacement in the draft or free agency. With the Combine highlighting some impressive running back prospects, the Cowboys could look to add a younger, dynamic player to complement Tony Pollard.
Pollard’s breakout performances in 2024 gave the Cowboys’ offense a much-needed spark, and while he has proven himself as a capable lead back, the team could benefit from bringing in a second back who can provide versatility and a change of pace. Jones acknowledged that the Cowboys are looking closely at the running back class this year.
“There are some guys out there who could really help us,” Jones said. “We’ll see what’s available, but running back is definitely a position we’re going to explore.”
Defensive Line: Continuing to Build the Front Seven
The Cowboys have been strong on defense in recent years, thanks in large part to their fierce defensive line. However, Jones pointed out that the team could use more depth and talent on the line, particularly on the edge. While Parsons is the star of the defense, the team needs additional pass-rushers who can help relieve pressure and create more havoc for opposing quarterbacks.
“We’ve got a few key pieces in place, but we need to keep adding to that defensive front,” Jones said. “We’ve seen what a difference an edge rusher can make, and we’re always going to look to improve that area of the team.”
With the draft offering some elite pass-rushing talent, the Cowboys could look to add a disruptive player who can make an immediate impact on the line.
Outside Pressure Players: Bolstering the Defense
Finally, the Cowboys’ need for outside pressure players, particularly edge rushers, remains a focal point in both free agency and the draft. As Jones noted, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and having a strong defense that can get to the quarterback is crucial for success. Whether it’s through the draft or trade, Jones is committed to adding more firepower to the Cowboys’ defense.
“We’ve got to keep applying pressure,” Jones said. “That’s what wins in this league. You can never have enough pass-rushers, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to make sure we have that in place.”
The Bottom Line: Flexibility and Smart Decisions
Jerry Jones’ comments highlight the Cowboys’ flexibility and the team’s ability to make smart decisions across multiple avenues: free agency, trade, and the draft. With a clear understanding of the team’s needs—particularly at running back, defensive line, and outside pressure players—Dallas is in a strong position to improve the roster and take the next step toward competing for a Super Bowl.
The upcoming months will be crucial for the Cowboys, and Jones’ focus on making strategic, thoughtful decisions will likely guide the team to success. Whether through re-signing key players, making shrewd trades, or selecting the right prospects in the draft, the Cowboys’ future looks promising as they continue to build a championship-caliber team.