Jerry Jones didn’t hide his mood in a Manhattan hotel lobby on Wednesday. Speaking after the league’s fall meetings, the Dallas Cowboys owner said he was “frustrated” and “disappointed” with a 2-4 start, then made it clear which direction he’s leaning before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. He has already hinted at aggressive trade deadline plans.
Asked whether Dallas could be a seller, Jones gave Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer a one-word answer: no. The longer version, reported by The Athletic’s Jon Machota and Mike Jones, leaves a small crack in the door. Jones said “But I don’t rule it out now,” pointing to the kind of offer that brought Kenny Clark and two first-round picks for Micah Parsons. On buying, he was direct, saying “I would be active if we could get a chance to help the team this year.”
Why Dallas keeps leaning toward buying
Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Jones has already spent once this season, sending a second-round pick to Pittsburgh for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and said he’d consider something similar. Porter held up in his latest outing. According to PFF, he wasn’t charged with a catch on four targets in Sunday’s 23-13 loss at Green Bay and posted a 70.6 coverage grade.
The rest of the defense explains why Jones wants more. Quinnen Williams was excellent at Lambeau Field, grading 86.2 overall with five pressures and a sack, according to PFF. Rashan Gary created nine pressures without a sack, and he and the returning DeMarvion Overshown have talked about the team’s need for consistency. Safety Caleb Downs allowed seven catches on seven targets, and linebacker Jaishawn Barham finished with a 29.4 coverage grade.
The offense isn’t off the hook either. Dak Prescott has thrown two touchdown passes and four interceptions over the last two games, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. Jones said his conversations with Brian Schottenheimer were tactical, focused on “the structure, the schemes, the calls,” and the front office still backs Brian Schottenheimer after two prime-time losses.
What keeps Jones in buying mode is the division. The Eagles and Giants have lost their starting quarterbacks, Washington has one win and five of the Cowboys’ next six opponents have losing records. Monday night in Philadelphia, against a defense where Jalen Carter leads interior defenders in forced fumbles, will show whether the roster Jones keeps defending deserves another addition.
More Dallas Cowboys news
- Three Keys to Victory Against Eagles in Week 7
- Cowboys-Eagles: Four Key Storylines Ahead of Monday Night Football
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Shares Off-Field Update Amid NFL Season
- DeMarvion Overshown vs. Eagles Week 7: Three Expectations for Cowboys LB in His Return
