The Dallas Cowboys followed their best defensive effort of the season with a reality blow against the Denver Broncos. Slowing down the Washington Commanders two weeks ago made it seem that they were trending in the right direction, but after watching their defensive woes catch up to them again in a 44-24 blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, hope vanished almost immediately.
That's why the front office may have waved the white flag already. According to a report by Jon Machota of The Athletic, team owner/general manager Jerry Jones just pumped the brakes on a big trade, shutting down the rumors of their interest in star pass rushers Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson.
"There hasn't been anything close to a deal. We're looking at all phases of our roster,"Jones said on Tuesday.. "We're looking at all phases of our roster... I don't know if we will or not (make a trade)."
However, it's not just that they won't go make a blockbuster deal for one of the best pass rushers in the league. Judging by Jones' words, he might not even make a move at all, at least to add more firepower to the defense, adding that "there is not a trade in my mind... that I would do."
All things considered, it's hard to disagree with that sentiment.
Cowboys Seemingly Realize 2025 Season is Lost Before Trade Deadline
The Cowboys aren't just one piece away from fixing their defense, and while their pass rush would've obviously been much better with Micah Parsons there, their issues run way deeper.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus deserves some of the blame and needs to be held accountable. Even so, it's not like he has a lot to work with. Jones knows that, and he might be doing the right thing by waiting until the offseason for an overhaul instead of giving up draft assets to patch things up this season.
After eight games, the Cowboys rank last in total yards allowed per game (419.1) and third-down conversion percentage allowed (52.4%). They're also second-to-last in points allowed per game (31.3) and passing yards allowed per game (258.6), and it will take more than one trade to fix that.
That being said, the Cowboys should still probably look to offload some veterans to add more draft picks. Dante Fowler Jr. might be a potential trade candidate, and if someone is willing to take Trevon Diggs or Sam Williams, they should, by all means, pull the trigger. On the offensive side of the field, Jalen Tolbert looks like another guy who might benefit from a change of scenery.
If buying is out of the question, it's clear that selling at the deadline is in the Cowboys' best interest. They can ship off unnecessary parts for draft capital, and, hopefully, come back in 2026 with a stronger roster that aligns with head coach Brian Schottenheimer's philosophy and vision even more.