Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has once again adopted his notoriously vague posture regarding potential blockbuster trades, specifically downplaying rumors linking the team to defensive stalwarts Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson. Despite a struggling 3-4-1 record and a defense riddled with issues, Jones suggests the focus remains on internal improvements and health rather than a major external shake-up before the November 4 trade deadline.
As the NFL trade deadline on November 4 rapidly approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical crossroads. With a disappointing 3-4-1 record and a defense that has visibly struggled, speculation has run rampant about potential acquisitions. However, owner Jerry Jones, known for his often enigmatic public statements, has largely poured cold water on the idea of major moves.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones addressed the intense rumors surrounding star defensive end Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. His message was clear: “There hasn’t been anything close to a deal. We’re looking at all phases of our roster.” This stance comes despite earlier reports from FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer indicating Dallas had inquired about both players, only to be turned down.
The Rumor Mill and Jones’ Measured Response
The murmurs of blockbuster defensive trades gained significant traction after the Cowboys’ humbling 44-24 loss to the Denver Broncos. This defeat starkly exposed Dallas’s defensive shortcomings at all three levels, prompting urgent calls from fans and analysts for immediate upgrades.
Despite the widespread chatter, Jones consistently maintained a lukewarm outlook on major external acquisitions. His exact words, as reported by Yahoo Sports, reiterated his position: “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.” While he didn’t entirely rule out smaller, more strategic moves, his overall sentiment reflected a reluctance to make significant splashes.
A Defense in Disarray: The Post-Parsons Reality
The Cowboys’ current defensive struggles are not entirely unexpected, especially in light of a significant offseason move. The trade of star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just before the season began left a gaping hole in Dallas’s pass rush. Parsons has continued his impactful play with the Packers, recording 6.5 sacks through seven games, while the Cowboys’ pass rush has languished in the lower third of the league with only 15 sacks through eight games, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
The change in defensive coordinator from Dan Quinn to former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has also failed to yield immediate improvements. Last season, Quinn led the Cowboys to a top-five finish in both total defense and scoring defense. Under Zimmer, the unit has regressed significantly, ranking 26th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense, further fueling fan frustration and the clamor for change.
Injury Woes Compounding Defensive Struggles
Adding to the team’s challenges are numerous key injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Demarvion Overshown, who has yet to make his 2025 debut, is reportedly on track to return on November 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs remains on injured reserve, battling a concussion and a new knee injury unrelated to last year’s ACL tear. Jones expressed optimism about Diggs’ return later in the season but emphasized, “he’s got to get well, and he hasn’t been.”
Other vital defensive players like pass-rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and cornerback Daron Bland have also missed significant time. Lawrence has been out for the past month, and Bland has yet to play this season due to a foot ailment. These internal injury concerns appear to be a major factor in Jones’ strategy, as he hopes for these players to provide the necessary “reinforcements” to salvage the season.
Beyond Defense: Offensive and Positional Considerations
While the defensive struggles dominate the trade discussion, the Cowboys’ offense has, for the most part, performed well this season. Despite a rough outing against the Broncos, where Dak Prescott threw two interceptions and passed for only 188 yards, the unit remains potent. The Cowboys’ offense currently ranks 1st in passing (263.8 yards per game), 2nd in total yards (384.1), and 2nd in scoring (30.8), demonstrating that offense is not the primary issue.
However, one area of concern that could warrant a smaller move is the running game. The Cowboys rank last in the NFL with just 74.1 rushing yards per game. The committee of Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, and Deuce Vaughn has struggled to replicate the production of former running back Tony Pollard, who departed in the offseason. Improving the run game could alleviate pressure on Prescott and the passing attack, aligning with Jones’ philosophy of looking for “all the meat on the bone” to improve the team, as reported by The Athletic.
Fan Frustration and the “Classic Jerry” Approach
The 3-4-1 record and the team’s current trajectory have undoubtedly fueled frustration within the Cowboys’ passionate fanbase. Many hoped for bold, transformative moves to address obvious weaknesses, particularly on defense. Yet, Jones’ “classic Jerry” response, characterized by vague pronouncements like “not necessarily. not at all. but possibly so,” has become a familiar, if exasperating, refrain for long-time supporters.
Historically, Jones has often favored continuity and internal development, resisting major mid-season overhauls unless presented with an undeniable opportunity. This approach, while sometimes leading to late-season surges, often tests the patience of a fanbase hungry for a return to Super Bowl contention.
As the November 4 deadline looms, the Cowboys appear set on a path of cautious optimism, banking on the return of injured players and improved execution from the current roster to turn their season around. While the door for minor, impactful trades may remain ajar, a blockbuster move seems increasingly unlikely, leaving fans to wonder if this “classic Jerry” strategy will be enough to salvage a season that started with such high expectations.
