Cowboys brass signals a willingness to part with top draft capital, eyeing immediate roster upgrades over long-term building blocks.
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 offseason with plenty of difficult decisions ahead — and on Monday, COO Stephen Jones made headlines by openly acknowledging that the team could entertain trading a first-round draft pick this offseason.
He said Dallas is "open-minded'' to a swap if it's a "perfect fit.''
Jones’ candid remarks underscore just how fluid the Cowboys’ roster strategy could be as they juggle salary cap realities and roster construction ahead of the new league year.
In an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jones was asked about Dallas’s plans, including how the club might balance long-term assets against immediate roster needs. While he did not commit to moving any specific pick or player, his comments left the door open for the front office to explore scenarios that could include trading a first-round selection if it helps them address the roster’s most pressing issues.
This openness marks a shift from the often guarded front-office approach Cowboys fans are used to seeing.
Traditionally, the organization — led by Stephen along with majority owner Jerry Jones — has been reluctant to move premium draft capital unless the right opportunity presents itself. But given the team’s current cap challenges and need to upgrade on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, that conservative stance appears to be loosening.
Dallas enters February with several key roster questions: how to retain impact pieces without overspending, how to bolster a defense that struggled in 2025, and how to continue improving around core contributors on offense.
With multiple first-round picks in hand at slots Nos. 12 and 20, the Cowboys could use that capital to swing for established playmakers rather than relying solely on incoming rookies. Flexibility at the top of the draft could also give Dallas leverage to package picks for multiple moves, addressing multiple needs at once.
Jones’ remarks don’t suggest the Cowboys will trade a first-rounder — only that they’re willing to consider all options. That pragmatic approach reflects a front office trying to balance winning now with long-term planning.
As the draft season unfolds and free agency heats up, how Dallas ultimately uses its draft assets will be among the most closely watched storylines this offseason.