Jerry Jones has made the Dallas Cowboys’ trade intentions clear before the 2026 NFL season. Despite having only five picks remaining in next year’s draft, Jones remains willing to spend draft capital to improve the roster.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones said Dallas is “in play” for another move. He indicated that the Cowboys would likely target the defense after addressing the offensive line with the Broderick Jones trade.
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Jones also pointed to the salary-cap flexibility created through recent contract restructures. “That does show that we have really viable serious room financially to make trade if we wanted to right now,” Jones said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.
The Cowboys have already made major defensive additions this offseason. Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary and other reinforcements have changed a unit that struggled badly during the 2025 season.
Dallas also traded future draft capital for Broderick Jones, adding another major piece to protect Dak Prescott. Jones now appears comfortable sacrificing more future picks if the right defensive target becomes available.
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones prioritizes immediate results
Jones’ approach reflects the Cowboys’ urgency entering 2026. Dallas missed the playoffs last season, and the organization has invested heavily in fixing its biggest weaknesses.
The defense remains the obvious area for another addition. Dallas used five of its seven draft selections on defensive players, but Jones clearly believes the roster could still use another proven contributor.
From an NFL roster-building perspective, the strategy carries both upside and risk. Trading future picks can raise the current roster’s ceiling, but it leaves fewer inexpensive assets for future seasons.
Still, Jones appears focused on the present. “We’re in play,” he said, signaling that Dallas will remain active if another opportunity emerges.
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The Cowboys have already shown they will spend draft capital to address immediate needs. The Broderick Jones acquisition handled the offensive line, leaving defense as the logical next target.
With cap flexibility available and Jones openly discussing another trade, Dallas could remain aggressive. The next move could reveal just how serious the Cowboys are about making the 2026 season count.
