Jerry Jones has done it again. Less than 24 hours before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. NFL trade deadline, the Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager went on SiriusXM’s The Stephen A. Smith Show to confirm the team “has made one trade” and “may make two more.”
AllSportsPeople writer Michael Dixon offered an inside look at how the announcement unfolded, reporting that Jones’ comments came live on air with Stephen A. Smith and Michael Irvin. Dixon detailed how the Cowboys owner teased multiple deals in motion before later clarifying the first trade “would be consummated on Tuesday,” giving fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Cowboys’ deadline maneuvering. Read Dixon’s full story on AllSportsPeople for a detailed breakdown of how the announcement went down.
What exactly that means remains unclear, but based on Jones’ comments and a flurry of reports, the picture is coming into focus.
Jones said any incoming players would “immediately be on the field” and “address some of the things that have been our shortcomings.” Given that the Cowboys rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and sacks, all signs point to an upgrade on that side of the ball.
It’s also worth noting that Dallas plays on Monday Night Football against Arizona, the final game of Week 9. With every other team already finished, it’s unlikely a player involved in a trade would suit up before the deal becomes official. That makes it far more probable that the Cowboys will be sending draft picks in any exchange, not players.
After dealing Micah Parsons to Green Bay before the season, Dallas is loaded with draft capital. The Cowboys now hold two first-rounders in both 2026 and 2027, along with extra mid-round selections through 2029. That gives Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones plenty of ammunition to buy aggressively at the deadline.
The Cowboys also have over $30 million in available cap space, the second-highest figure in the NFL behind only the New England Patriots. That financial flexibility gives Jones even more leverage to absorb veteran contracts and make multiple moves if the right opportunities arise.
Tier 1: Big-Name Splash Targets (Unlikely but Game-Changing)
Maxx Crosby, Raiders: The AllSportsPeople’ Daniel Mader floated the All-Pro edge rusher as Dallas’ dream acquisition, noting that he’s “as close to a Parsons-level defender as the Cowboys can get.” Crosby’s massive $106.5 million extension makes a deal unlikely, but it would instantly transform the defense. Read Mader’s full analysis on AllSportsPeople for his in-depth breakdown of Crosby’s fit.
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: A proven pass rusher with four sacks this season, Hendrickson has requested a trade and could headline a mid-tier deal if Cincinnati chooses to sell.
Bradley Chubb, Dolphins: Chubb’s name continues to surface in multiple reports. He has four sacks this year; he would be a plug-and-play solution for Dallas’ biggest weakness.
Tier 2: More Realistic, Win-Now Impact Moves
Logan Wilson, Bengals: The linebacker requested a trade earlier this season and has four consecutive 100-tackle campaigns. Mader lists Wilson among the most sensible targets, writing that he “fits perfectly beside Kenneth Murray Jr.”
Demario Davis, Saints: The 36-year-old veteran remains an elite run defender (84 tackles) and could serve as a short-term stabilizer in the middle.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dolphins: Mader also highlights the former All-Pro safety as a high-cost but high-reward option for a secondary missing Malik Hooker. Read more from Mader’s piece on AllSportsPeople for his full evaluation.
Jermaine Johnson, Jets: A 26-year-old Pro Bowler with length and speed, Johnson could command a second-round pick or better as a long-term edge replacement.
Malcolm Koonce, Raiders: A rising rotational pass rusher who would come much cheaper than teammate Crosby.
Arden Key, Titans: A reliable veteran with 4.5-plus sacks in each of the past four seasons.
Tier 3: Developmental and High-Upside Projects/Depth
Jordyn Brooks, Dolphins: An instinctive linebacker (93 tackles) who’s under contract through 2026.
Tyree Wilson, Raiders: The former top-10 pick out of Texas Tech could use a “homecoming” reset in a rotational role.
Keeanu Benton, Steelers: A young 3-tech tackle who can collapse the pocket from the interior.
Devin Bush, Browns: Mader names Bush as a cost-effective veteran stabilizer.
Alontae Taylor, Saints: Physical corner with starting experience who could fill in while Trevon Diggs recovers.
Riq Woolen, Seahawks: A 6-foot-4 corner with elite athleticism but a bumpy 2025 season.
Christian Harris, Texans: Athletic linebacker who would add speed to a slow Dallas unit.
If you want a deeper look at how each of these players could fit within Dallas’ defensive system, read Daniel Mader’s full analysis on AllSportsPeople, which breaks down the potential impact of some of these targets in greater detail.
Dallas could also look inward as a seller. Multiple outlets, including AllSportsPeople’ Mike Moraitis, have reported that defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, is available. Moraitis noted that Dallas “appears open to trading” Smith, who has played in only five games this year, suggesting he could be included in a larger package for a veteran pass rusher. Read Moraitis’ Cowboys trade tracker on AllSportsPeople for the latest updates on Smith and Dallas’ overall deadline activity.
With Jones confirming at least one trade already complete, the Cowboys appear ready to use their stockpile of picks to shore up their defense. Whether it’s a splash like Hendrickson or a value move like Brooks, Dallas is poised to stay relevant, exactly how Jerry Jones likes it.
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