Those who wanted to see the Dallas Cowboys make a big splash at the trade deadline shouldn't wait standing up. Once again, team owner/general manager Jerry Jones, who teased big moves and said that the team would be 'open for business,' has poured ice-cold water on any fans hoping to see the likes of Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby added in the coming days.
"There hasn't been anything close to a deal. We're looking at all phases of our roster," Jones said on Tuesday's 105.3 FM The Fan appearance, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "We're looking at all phases of our roster... I don't know if we will or not (make a trade)."
More than that, the Cowboys may not make a move at all, at least not to add more talent. It's not just that they won't go after an expensive superstar; they might just stay put:
"All options are there... (But) I can tell you this right now, there is not a trade in my mind, the beginning and end of one, as we sit here and talk... that I would do," Jones later added."
Cowboys Might Not Make a Trade, But That's Not Necessarily Bad
While some Cowboys fans likely want a splashy trade deadline from the Jones Family, a quiet week may not be the worst scenario. This team is 3-4-1 after eight weeks, and after watching them against the Denver Broncos, it's hard to believe they have what it takes to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has failed to do a good job, and even if he makes adjustments, this team lacks the personnel to turn things around on that side of the field. They're not just one piece away, so they might as well save those picks for the offseason, especially when a player added in 2026 will have more time to mesh with the players and coaching staff.
The Cowboys would also have more roster and financial flexibility by staying put instead of chasing a pricey and aging star like Hendrickson or an injury-prone one like Crosby in the spring.
Still, that doesn't mean they can't add a couple of free agents to fix their defensive woes. Former Cowboy Carl Lawson is no longer an option after signing with the Baltimore Ravens last week, but there are still free-agent pass rushers out there who wouldn't force the team to give up draft picks. They could also go after someone like cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to replace Trevon Diggs.
Whatever the case, it doesn't sound like Jones is going to do much to turn things around this season, meaning Cowboys fans must temper expectations until the trade deadline passes. Hopefully, a quiet deadline paves the road to a promising offseason experience.