We have heard it for a few weeks now, but will Jerry's bust-the-budget quote change how Dallas approaches free agency?
Dallas Cowboys fans' ears pricked up when owner Jerry Jones stated that the team could "bust the budget" and do "dramatic things" this offseason.
Of course, we have been here before with Jerry's "all-in" quote still being used as a punchline.
But as we enter the offseason with the Cowboys missing the playoffs for the second straight season, surely there is incentive to maybe go a little harder in free agency than in previous years, right?
For most, that is logical. But as we know, Dallas isn't "most" teams.
The way the franchise has approached free agency has been a cause for anger and frustration to the point where fans simply tune it out.
But this offseason feels slightly different. Javonte Williams already has his new deal, not even making it to free agency. Also, the coordinator search that led Dallas to Christian Parker.
So there are examples, but let's get back to Jerry's comment.
Will it really impact how the Cowboys approach free agency? Cowboys' Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay offered up an interesting answer.
“That typically doesn’t change because what we do, you still have to go grade the free agents and know the free agent class,” McClay said via ESPN's Todd Archer. “If you’re doing your job, it’s systematic because you do it every year. And you might not go after certain players, but those free agents come up in trades or get cut later or whatever it is.
"Even if you don’t have any money or you’re shopping with no budget, you at least have to be ready to window shop.”
So that tells us the Cowboys will keep their ears to the ground in free agency, but as far as opening their wallets and going after a big fish, it doesn't sound like that is the No. 1 plan.
The franchise will, of course, canvas the entire free agency class, and if a move can be made, within their limit, then a move will happen.
But fans don't want the Cowboys to "window shop" for star players; they want the franchise to walk into the store, slam down their bank card, and pay for it.
Years upon years of letdowns in the offseason have made Cowboys Nation skeptical of the franchise doing anything substantial to improve the team.
Will 2026 be different with "bust the budget"? I wouldn't hold your breath.