The loss to the Panthers was a back-breaking one for the Dallas Cowboys. With a chance to go over .500 for the first time all season, they let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers against a vulnerable team. And with a very difficult late-season schedule looming, this was a loss Dallas couldn’t afford.
But thanks to losses by the Eagles and the Commanders, the Cowboys still find themselves in the hunt in the NFC East going into Week 7. They are just one loss behind the Eagles, and with a meeting this week against the Commanders, the Cowboys still have a shot to steal this division. But they are going to need to make some major moves on defense if they want to have any hope of contending this year.
Enter Jerry Jones. The Dallas Cowboys owner and de facto general manager said on Tuesday that all options are on the table for improving the defense, including moving a future first-round pick. Here is what Jones had to say during his call with 105.3 The Fan this week:
Cowboys' Jerry Jones says all options are on table for big move
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to express that they are open for business to improve the roster. Jones on @1053thefan said "there's nothing untouchable" when it comes to the picks they received in the Micah Parsons trade.
"If we can improve our team and it makes sense for…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 14, 2025
It’s no secret that the Cowboys need help on defense after giving up 30 points to the Panthers in Week 6. Dallas is allowing 30.7 points per game this season, which is somehow, not the worst in the league. The defense is hemorrhaging points and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of hope on that side of the ball.
It’s easy to see why Jones and the front office might be tempted to make a move. The offense is on a historic pace, and if the defense were just below average, the Cowboys might be 4-2 (or better) through six games. Dallas might not want to waste a prime Dak Prescott season, especially with CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Booker expected to return in Week 7.
But the Cowboys would be foolish to make any big splash in the trade market in-season, as unfortunately, the defense isn’t just one player away. They have massive issues on all three levels and are in desperate need of young, home-grown talent. Even adding a player like Trey Hendrickson wouldn’t dramatically change this defense due to the issues at linebacker, safety, and frankly, defensive coordinator.
In reality, the Cowboys need to replace 5-6 starters on defense and need 7-8 quality players added to this defense over the next 24 months. And trading away future draft picks to try to improve in what is a lost season is short-sighted.
They'll have to live with the roster they've assembled for the 2025 season, hoping to improve the defense this offseason. Spending more assets on this version of the team would be another indication that the front office has no idea how to build a championship-caliber team.