We've got the feeling the Cowboys will approach free agency a little differently this offseason, but Stephen Jones might have just squashed that notion.
This offseason looms as a defining one for the Dallas Cowboys and Brian Schottenheimer.
With the franchise in a great spot offensively after Javonte Williams' signing, coupled with the expected franchise tag of George Pickens, as Cowboys COO Stephen Jones stated the organization is "leaning" that way, it's off to a good start.
But Cowboys Nation wants more.
With Jerry Jones' "bust the budget" quote now being this year's version of "all-in," fans are now eagerly awaiting the beginning of free agency to see exactly what Dallas does.
Of course, fans have been burnt before. Expecting a wave of quality free agents to be signed, and only Eric Kendricks walks through the doors.
But this offseason feels different, doesn't it?
So, will the Cowboys approach free agency differently?
Well, as Stephen Jones explains, not exactly.
"No, I think the biggest thing is offensively we're not going to be doing a lot," Jones said. "We feel really good about the offensive side of the ball now that we got Javonte signed, and certainly leaning toward franchising Pickens.
"So, I wouldn't say much of anything's changed offensively. Defensively, we just know we got a lot of work to do."
So there you have it.
The approach won't "change" as such, but there is a clear path forward this offseason.
But this contradicts Jerry Jones' weekend promise, when he said, "I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have. I guess what I'm doing is saying, yes, I intend to do that (bust the budget) if given the opportunity."
So which is it?
With the offensive side of the ball, one of the best units in football last season, and most are returning at the time of writing, it is all hands on deck to overhaul Christian Parker's defense.
With the potential to have over $100 million of cap space and two first-round picks, that should be enough to get a handful of quality additions for Parker.
But as far as the Cowboys changing their stripes ahead of what is a crucial free agency period, this we're not sure this leopard is truly intent on changing its spots.