Jerry Jones at Trade Deadline: Dallas Cowboys Exploring Possibilities or Standing Pat?

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones downplayed the likelihood of a trade before Tuesday afternoon's deadline, saying his team is trending toward a "pat hand."

Despite trade rumors swirling around The Star like Halloween's bone-chilling wind, as of Tuesday morning the Dallas Cowboys appear prepared to remain still and warm and void of a trade. Hours before the NFL's 3 p.m. deadline, owner Jerry Jones said on his weekly radio show that no deals were imminent.

"I'm not seeing anything right at this moment," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. "I see us right now having a pat hand."

That said, he didn't of course rule out a late deal arising at the last minute.

Said Jerry, "We have a keen sense of where there are possibilities out there. Are trades a possibility? Yes, they are."

Likewise, coach Mike McCarthy said this week he's not anticipating any blockbuster deals to improve his 5-2 squad coming off a 23-point thrashing of the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium.

"I'm not sitting here with my fingers crossed hoping we make a trade," McCarthy said. "I believe in the guys we have in this locker room."

While the Cowboys have been linked to countless trade rumors involving cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Patrick Surtain, receivers Davante Adams, Jerry Jeudy and Michael Thomas, and running back Derrick Henry, Jones said his focus is squarely on Sunday's NFC East showdown at the Philadelphia Eagles.

"This one has serious consequences," he said. "We're playing the No. 1 team in the NFL in my view. We played San Francisco when they were No. 1 and got it handed to us."

Jones also brushed aside emergency contingency plans along the Cowboys' banged-up offensive line, indicating that starting left tackle Tyron Smith (neck) and backup Chuma Edoga (knee) were both trending toward playing against the Eagles.

Said Jones, "More than likely they'll both be ready."

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