The Cowboys have had a fruitful offseason, but many are still debating how much better the team has gotten.
FRISCO - We are always up for a healthy debate, and right now, one conversation starter that keeps popping up is how much better the Dallas Cowboys have gotten after the initial wave of free agency.
Some think the franchise is treading water. Others think there is a slight improvement to the roster.
Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary, and Cobie Durant are the three new starters for Christian Parker's defense.
PJ Locke, Tyrus Wheat, and Derion Kendrick are seen as rotational/depth pieces.
The same can be said for Sam Howell and Matt Hennessy on offense.
There is a case to be made that Dallas should be applauded for being far more proactive than it has been in previous years, but the lack of "busting the budget'' has some fans frustrated.
But what if a major move is coming via the NFL Draft?
Coach Brian Schottenheimer, speaking to the media on Monday at the NFL Owners Meetings, broached that subject in an intriguing manner.
Schottenheimer mentioned the possibility of Dallas trading up in next month's draft and said they "absolutely" have the ammunition to get that done.
"Jerry,'' he said, "is never afraid of making deals."
Granted, two first-round draft picks will hopefully help raise the floor of the defense ... and owner Jones might not be "afraid.''
But let's not forget, it wouldn't be a Dallas offseason without a contract standoff. ... and that is part of what must be untangled here as Dallas evaluates the value of a Draft Day trade.
For now, those "entanglements'' involve George Pickens and Brandon Aubrey.
And that means the Cowboys still have unfinished business in terms of contracts ... to work alongside the idea of a major trade during Draft weekend.
The Pickens saga is dragging on longer than it needs to, and it once again looks like the offseason will unnecessarily be dominated by a contract distraction.
But the free agency additions have improved the defense, right? And a blockbuster deal during the draft, in which Dallas owns first-round picks Nos. 12 and 20?
That could change the vibe of this offseason.
In fairness, the Cowboys could trade up, trade down or move not a bit ... and the headlines will come. But a move up - with an eye on players like Ohio State stars Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs - would help the Cowboys win the "debate'' regarding their offseason moves.