Dallas Cowboys Trade Rumor: 'Buyer' Jerry Jones Shopping for Defense at NFL Deadline
FRISCO - In true Jerry Jones tradition, the Dallas Cowboys boss has created a pile of “Word Salad” to characterize his team’s thoughts as we approach the NFL’s trade deadline of Oct. 31.
Said the Cowboys owner: "A trade would have to come our way. ... The initiation of an opportunity to make a trade that would help us principally has to start on the other end."
It’s a fun fudge, Jerry’s playful way of pretending there is a third category beyond “Buyer” and “Seller” called “Seller, But Only If You Call Us.”
Jerry and Charlotte Jones
Let's dig through it again: "The initiation of an opportunity to make a trade that would help us principally has to start on the other end." Huh?
That’s not only gibberish and nonsensical; it’s also reflective of a policy that would ill-advised, as making exploratory inquiries is a primary way to find out what’s for sale …
And wanting to buy but only after waiting for phones to ring in your front office is a primary way to get outmaneuvered by the likes of, oh, you know, let's say ... the assertive Philadelphia Eagles.
I believe Dallas is already exploring modest help options at cornerback and linebacker … as opposed to the more headline-grabbing but less-needed rumored moves at running back and receiver.
And, it seems, my friend and colleague at Yahoo, the plugged in Charles Robinson, sees it the same way.
“I don’t know who has been running their mouth inside the organization, but there’s definitely a belief in some other front offices that Dallas is going to be making calls on a defensive addition,” Robinson writes.
Robinson meanwhile notes, “I’ve seen the speculation about loving Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II as a player, but … it’s meaningless and makes little sense from the standpoint of the compensation (which would have to be massive) and then the forthcoming contract extension (which will make Surtain the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL).
The “love” story Charles is likely referring to about Surtain is the one I wrote (see below). And I acknowledge all the obstacles he cites.
But it remains factual - and it remains valuable as to a hint regarding where I know Dallas thinks it needs help.
And to repeat my line on the misguided notion that “going all-in” means “overspending”: There are in the coming days going to be smart and fair trades available to “buyers” … but that “buyer” shouldn’t wait until the door-to-door salesman hits the doorstep.
“Buyers” pick up the phone. And they place their orders.
