Cowboys' Stephen Jones vows to upgrade roster on defense at NFL trade deadline

The Dallas Cowboys have one more game before the NFL trade deadline, with a Monday Night Football showdown against the Arizona Cardinals set for Week 9, less than 24 hours before the deadline hits.

Dallas is expected to be "open for business," and as the front office continues discussing potential moves, it is becoming clear that the goal is to improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones made an appearance on 105.3 The Fan on Friday afternoon and was asked about potential moves for the team.

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Jones firmly said the Cowboys are "considering trades on the defensive side of the ball."

Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jones said, “There’s some interesting things out there as we get down to the wire. We’ll be giving those every opportunity to look over.

"We've had our challenges on defense, and we could use any help at any level... If we can upgrade the roster, we'll do it."

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With Jones saying, "If we can upgrade the roster, we'll do it," it is the clearest indication yet that the team is actively working the phones and monitoring players who are available.

There will be plenty of options available for the Cowboys if the front office is being genuine and is sincerely considering a move. The team has been linked to several high-profile players, so we'll have to wait and see just how serious the Cowboys are about improving the roster to make a postseason push in the second half of the season.

Dallas Cowboys potential targets

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans at Allegiant Stadium. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Cowboys have been linked to some high-profile players ahead of the trade deadline like 2024 NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson and superstar Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

There has also been speculation about Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson and New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II.

To prove that the team needs help everywhere on the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys were most recently linked to an under-the-radar candidate, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams.

The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

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