Jerry Jones Reflects on Cowboys' Offseason, Offers Realistic View of Dallas Roster

The Dallas Cowboys' No. 1 priority entering the offseason was to improve the defense, which was the biggest thing that held the team back in 2025.

As we turn the calendar to April, the Cowboys have no doubt made some improvements on that side of the ball after the Rashan Gary trade and the signings of P.J. Locke and Jalen Thompson.

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But there is still very clearly more work to be done. Dallas still needs more help at cornerback, edge rusher and linebacker before they dive into the 2026 campaign.

Thankfully, owner and general manager Jerry Jones realizes there is still more work to be done. Jones thinks the Cowboys have been aggressive this offseason, but he says the team isn't finished making moves, either.

Jerry Jones on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"We've been aggressive and we have, relatively speaking, we've stepped up the financial requirements for what we have done," Jones said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.

"We may have exceeded, busted, whatever you want to call it, but we got some more (work to do) and so we're not through (making moves)," Jones added.

Have the Cowboys been aggressive enough?

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. — Former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary. | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Earlier in the offseason, Jones showed a clear sense of urgency and admitted the team wanted to "bust the budget" in free agency. So far, that hasn't exactly panned out when it comes to bringing in outside free agents.

The story has been much of the same as it has been in previous years, with Dallas signing players to cheap one-year deals. Thompson, Locke, edge rusher Sam Williams, defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, and quarterback Sam Howell are on one-year pacts.

The most expensive move came with an in-house pending free agent in wide receiver George Pickens, who the team slapped a franchise tag on to the tune of $27.3 million. It's very possible, if not likely, that the Cowboys have tried to make bigger moves in free agency but simply haven't been able to seal the deal.

Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While it hasn't been an earth-shattering offseason until this point, we do have some evidence that Jones has been aggressive, with the trade for Gary being one example. There's also the rumor that Dallas was a major player for a Maxx Crosby trade before the Baltimore Ravens came up with a better offer.

When asked about that situation, Jones said he didn't anticipate the Cowboys re-entering trade talks with the Raiders for Crosby, but he didn't completely take it off the table, either.

"I don’t anticipate revisiting that situation. Is it possible? Yes," Jones said of a future Crosby pursuit.

Even if the Cowboys were keen on re-opening trade talks with the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby has made it clear he is re-committed to the team, so he's probably no longer available, anyway.

What's next for the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys logo at the NFL Draft. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Of course, the 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and with a pair of first-round picks, the Cowboys could add multiple players at positions of need who can make an immediate impact.

But that's not something the Cowboys should fully rely on and Dallas should still be exploring veteran options in free agency. Dallas still has $14.4 million in cap space to do so.

The draft will be a good place to add a linebacker, cornerback and/or edge rusher, and there are still some good options available in free agency at linebacker and edge rusher.

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