Cowboys’ Jerry Jones on NFL trade deadline: ‘We’re looking for all the meat on the bone’ | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones appeared to suggest Friday that he is ready to make a move before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (h/t John Machota from The Athletic), Jones was asked about the possibility of a trade and responded, “If I see something… we’re looking for anything that can improve our team.”

After going 12-5 and winning the NFC East last season, the Cowboys have struggled a lot this season, starting just 3-4.

Although the Cowboys had a great 2023 regular season, they were shocked at home in the NFC Wild Card round of the playoffs, losing to the Green Bay Packers.

In the aftermath, fans and analysts called for sweeping changes, but the front office did very little to make significant changes in the offseason.

Jones opted to bring Mike McCarthy back as head coach for the 2024 campaign, and most of the core players from the 2023 roster are also back, with the exception of running back Tony Pollard and defensive end Stephon Gilmore.

Besides their draft picks, the Cowboys’ most notable players were the return of running back Ezekiel Elliott and the signing of linebacker Eric Kendricks.

Dallas’ biggest loss may have been the loss of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who was named head coach of the Washington Commanders after the Cowboys finished fifth in both total defense and scoring defense last season.

Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer replaced Quinn as Dallas’ full-time quarterback, and things didn’t go well, with the Cowboys ranking 26th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense.

Injuries have certainly played a role in the Cowboys’ defensive struggles, with top pass rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence missing games last month and 2023 All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland yet to play this season due to a foot ailment. .

Moreover, Jones said Two-time Pro Bowler and starting safety Trevon Diggs suffered a torn calf Friday that kept him out of practice this week.

Given the Cowboys’ injury issues at cornerback and pass rusher, these could be two areas where Dallas hopes to improve before the deadline.

Another area of ​​concern is the Cowboys’ running game, as they rank last in the NFL with 74.1 rushing yards per game.

The running back group of Rico Dowdle, Elliott, Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn couldn’t replace what Pollard brought to the table, suggesting Dallas may need a better option in the backfield.

If Jones can find a way to bring in a better running back, it could possibly go a long way in taking some pressure off of quarterback Dak Prescott and the passing game.