Jerry Jones Just Proved He Has His Priorities All Wrong

Jerry Jones' passion and love for the Cowboys is second to none, but that doesn't make him impervious to making bad decisions. The 80-year-old proved that point on Tuesday when discussing his team's running back situation

Just one day after Ronald Jones was hit with a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy, Jones revealed on 105.3 The Fan that the door is still open for a reunion with free-agent RB Ezekiel Elliott.

In typical cryptic fashion, Jones told hosts that the Cowboys are "reading the tea leaves" when it comes to bringing the veteran rusher back.

Unsurprisingly, fans aren't thrilled that the Cowboys owner won't let a potential Elliott reunion die. If anything, Tuesday's quote continues to prove that Jones has his priorities all wrong.

For starters, it's mind-boggling that Jones is willing to shell out cash to bring back Elliott, but not to lock down Zach Martin. One is a declining RB who recorded a career-worst 3.8 yards per career in 2022, while the other is one of thet best (if not the best) offensive guards in today's NFL.

Besides, it isn't like the Cowboys' RB room is hopeless. Tony Pollard is poised to dominate as the full-time No. 1 RB now and rookie Deuce Vaughn has been showcasing promise throughout training camp.

Furthermore, Ronald Jones would be back by Week 3, if Dallas decides to keep him on the roster. Adding Elliott to the mix would just overcomplicate things, especially if his decline continues.

Jerry Jones' desire to bring Elliott back is more frustrating considering that he still doesn't intend to budge regarding Martin's training camp holdout. It was only on Saturday when he showed no urgency by telling the team site that the disgruntled guard will "come to camp when he comes to camp."

An extension for standout Micah Parsons is the top reason why Jones refuses to negotiate with Martin. While there's no denying Parsons' importance and impact, Dallas will still be upset if they push an eight-time All-Pro guard to the point of no return.

However, if Jones is dead-set on adding another RB to the roster, there are better, more cost-effective options than Elliott.

Leonard Fournette would be a solid complement to Pollard. The seven-year veteran just had another solid season that saw him turn 262 touches (189 carries, 73 receptions) into 1,191 total yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.

Kareem Hunt is the second name that stands out. He averaged a solid 4.2 yards per carry over four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and would be a better contributor in the passing game compared to Elliott.

Even RBs like J.D. McKissic or Rex Burkhead are cheaper, yet suitable, stop-gaps until Ronald Jones returns from suspension. Either way, it's clear that Elliott's services aren't needed.

The good news for fans frustrated by Jerry Jones' remarks is that Mike McCarthy doesn't seem too high on bringing Elliott back. When asked about the possibility, the Cowboys head coach told The Athletic's Jon Machota that the staff wants to give reps to "young guys" and not "give up on the path" just because Jones is suspended.

Getting the RB room situtation settled is necessary if the Cowboys hope to make some noise this year. BetMGM currently lists Dallas at +1500 odds to win Super Bowl LVIII, ranking sixth best just days away from the preseason's start.