Stephen Jones and the Cowboys are making it increasingly clear a big move on defense is on the way
Not only are the Dallas Cowboys not trying to hide it, but it’s almost like they want us to know something is about to go down.
Jerry Jones got fans riled up when he revealed he’d be open to deal a “top pick” to help the 2026 Dallas Cowboys team. The fact that he said the Cowboys didn’t walk away from Maxx Crosby helped spark conversations, too. On Friday, team co-owner Stephen Jones only took those hopes further.
At this point, the Cowboys are making it extremely clear they’re targeting a big move. The question is if it will be a trade or a signing (maybe both?) and of course, how big of a move it will be.
Stephen’s recent comments are the latest reason to believe a move to improve the defense is imminent.
Stephen Jones admits Cowboys are eyeing trades and signings
The Cowboys are infamously known in the fanbase as a team that loves to say “we like our guys” as a reason to not target outside help. In 2026, it’s clear they like many of their guys, but it’s also clear they like some guys outside the team.
And you can hear it in Stephen Jones’ words in his latest radio interview.
“We’ve got several things that we’re considering right now,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “Some of it trades, some of it signing guys because a lot of these older players who have still got some tread on the tires can come in here and help you.”
The last part is a significant hint, as it’s clear the Cowboys are looking for players who move the needle. In other words, they’re looking to raise the floor of the defensive starting lineup, not its depth.
Whether that means they’re looking into a player like veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner or 28-year-old star pass rusher Maxx Crosby remains to be seen. But Jones admitted he believes the Cowboys defensive starters will change over time.
“I’d be surprised if the starting players on this defense don’t change over time,” Jones said. “We’re always looking to be better, we’ll continue to monitor this.”
Though he didn’t say it explicitly, that sure sounds like a front office exec that expects additions to be made. As for the impact we should expect from those moves, I think it should be significant.
Notably, Jerry Jones said the deals he’s looking into are positive enough to not be impacted by what current players show in training camp. There are many routes the Cowboys can take here, but my money is on a significant move taking place sometime soon.