Jerry Jones admits Cowboys made a costly free-agency mistake

In an effort to build a solid defense, the Dallas Cowboys have invested just over $180 million in their secondary since 2023. They paid Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland north of $90 million each, but when it came to the slot corner, Jerry Jones went cheap.

Jones didn’t attempt to retain Jourdan Lewis, who was coming off the best season of his career. This led to his departure as the Jacksonville Jaguars paid Lewis $30 million over three seasons. As expected, he outperformed that contract while the Cowboys struggled to stop every opposing offense.

MORE: Jerry Jones hints at concern as $92M defender continues to battle injuries

Lewis’ departure was felt so strongly that Jones admitted the defense was hurt more than they expected by his departure.

“We lost the nickel, and it hurt us more than we thought. The nickel was a serious loss for us. It made a big difference not having [Lewis] out there. And, so, we have got to get better there.”

“…The number one thing was we thought —when we lost our nickel last year — we could [move] Bland in and out, and get him going back and forth. He wasn't quite as suited to getting inside and being a nickel as we thought he would be.”

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for the first time since losing him to 2025 free agency, Jerry Jones openly lamented the #Cowboys loss of Jourdan Lewis — saying it created shockwaves they didn’t expect:

“We lost the nickel, and it hurt us more than we thought. The nickel was a serious loss… pic.twitter.com/R6xjN7OJ0k
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) January 7, 2026

While the move worked well for Lewis, he unfortunately won’t participate in the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. A foot injury sent Lewis to the IR, but he’s still part of a franchise that’s in the postseason while the Cowboys are discussing ways to get back.

Jourdan Lewis responds to Jerry Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis celebrates his interception against Houston. | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Shortly after Jones’ comments on Lewis made the rounds on social media, the former Cowboys’ defender responded. Lewis quote-tweeted Patrik Walker’s post, saying “You know it’s all love!”

MORE: Dallas Cowboys clarify future of All-Pro guard Tyler Smith

A third-round pick out of Michigan in 2017, Lewis spent eight seasons in Dallas. He recorded 386 tackles, 9.5 sacks, broke up 44 passes, and had 10 interceptions. This year for the Jags, he had 39 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and two interceptions.

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