Jerry Jones Willing To Deal Ahead Of Trade Deadline But Won’t Make First Move

In one of his regularly scheduled radio appearances, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones discussed his approach to the upcoming NFL trade deadline. 

Jones said he’s open to making a move to shore up the roster for a Dallas team that hopes to contend but he wants to do it on his terms, meaning he won’t initiate any talks with other teams. 

“It will have to come our way. I don’t want to preclude it in any way, but it always does. … The initiation of an opportunity to make a trade that would help us principally has to start over on the other end. That’s not showing a lack of aggressiveness, it’s just how it starts,” Jones said during his weekly interview with “Shan & RJ” on 105.3 The Fan via ESPN. 

He explained that shouldn’t be interpreted as a lack of aggressiveness. Instead, he likened it to a predator “laying in wait” and pouncing at the opportune moment.  

“I have areas of the team that we could if certain circumstances happen that you might improve. Your best chance to get it done is when it comes by you, and you grab it,” he said.

Jones added the Cowboys’ roster is in good shape overall. Dallas is 4-2 with losses to the Cardinals and 49ers. The loss to San Francisco in particular stung Jones, and he acknowledged at this point it’s not fair to put Dallas in the conversation with the 49ers and Eagles, who they have two games against remaining on the schedule. 

But Jones added he’s well aware the team is in the middle of a Super Bowl window and he would be willing to make a move to better the Cowboys’ odds. 

“I would really extend to improve our team right now. … Because I think we have a team that is a contender. So, I would do it right now.”

Other reports have highlighted the Cowboys as a team that could potentially make some additions at the NFL trade deadline, which is 4 pm EST on October 31. 

Cornerback is one area to watch. Dallas lost starting CB Trevon Diggs for the season with a torn ACL and his replacement has been second-year CB DaRon Bland.

We listed Bears CB Jaylon Johnson and Panthers CB Donte Jackson in our 2023 NFL Trade Catalog as players who could potentially be available. Carolina might be more willing to move on from Jackson than Chicago would be from Johnson. 

We’ll have more on the Cowboys ahead of the trade deadline as the news is available.