Jerry Jones Poised to Dive into Free Agency
Jerry Jones is gearing up to make a splash in free agency.
After a quiet offseason focusing on keeping the Cowboys’ core players, Dallas’ owner expressed his eagerness to spend. “I pictured us being active, and frankly, I think we will be aggressive in free agency,” Jones commented on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “We’re aiming to allocate more funds in free agency than ever before.”
As the 2025 season marks the 30th consecutive year without a championship or even an appearance in the NFC Championship game, Jones admitted that this ongoing drought is weighing on him.
Although the Cowboys reached the playoffs from 2021 to 2023, they have missed out on postseason action in the last two years.
Jones worked hard to maintain Dallas’ foundational pieces, retaining star quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with significant contracts. However, he refrained from making blockbuster signings, hoping to strengthen other positions instead.
Unfortunately, those gaps eventually hurt the team’s performance, especially on defense, contributing to a disappointing 7-9-1 record last season.
The Cowboys allowed the highest average points per game in the league—30.1—leading to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, while ranking 30th in total yards allowed.
Prominent free agents like edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Trey Hendrickson, along with linebacker Devin Lloyd, could be valuable assets for Dallas.
Jones reflected on Prescott’s current standing in his career, highlighting the strengths within their front office and the potential to maximize talents like George Pickens and Lamb. “We want to convert more third downs than last year… I envision significant spending on defense,” he stated. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if some critics say, ‘Well, that’s not hard, Jerry,’ but I’m committed to making it happen.”
To facilitate these moves, the Cowboys need to first address their salary cap situation. Expected to be around $56 million above the $301 million cap set for 2026, Dallas must make some financial adjustments.
Jones mentioned that certain contracts would be restructured to accommodate some offseason expenditures. Reports suggest that Dallas intends to revise contracts for Prescott, Lamb, and guard Tyler Smith, which could free up around $66 million in cap space.
The Cowboys also possess two first-round picks in the upcoming draft—No. 12 and No. 20, the latter acquired in the Micah Parsons trade from Green Bay.
The team’s financial maneuvers will also depend on how they handle negotiations with Pickens, following the imposition of a $28 million franchise tag on him.
“We have a solid history of collaborating with players,” Jones remarked. “The Cowboys envision George Pickens as a key part of our future.”
Last year, Dallas finished second in the NFC East, but they’re projected to be stronger in 2026—especially as the Giants welcome new head coach John Harbaugh and own the No. 5 pick in the draft. Meanwhile, Washington is banking on a successful season from quarterback Jaden Daniels.
“I just can’t settle for only winning one Super Bowl. What’s next?” Jones pondered. “I believe my timeframe exceeds what I often think, and I still feel there’s potential to build this team significantly.” He added, “If I had to, I’d hitchhike right now back to Dallas just to win the Super Bowl.”
