Jerry Jones finally working on ‘substantial’ trades to boost Cowboys chances ahead of NFL Draft

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might have to trade with teams high up in the 2025 NFL Draft to get hold of quality prospects.

Jerry Jones finally working on ‘substantial’ trades to boost Cowboys chances ahead of NFL Draft

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looking to make trades (Image via Imago)

The Dallas Cowboys are in a predicament heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. On the one hand, Jerry Jones‘ team needs a few key pieces to step up and become contenders. At the same time, they pick at No. 12, which might not be the best position to snag one of the most impactful prospects available.

Many, including quarterback Dak Prescott, have noted that their run game needs to improve. Last season, Jones tried to put together some players to give the team several options. It did not work out and even though Rico Dowdle improved drastically, he decided to use his 1000-yard season to find a better contract.

Jones signed the player Dowdle replaced at the Carolina Panthers in Miles Sanders. He then signed Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams. However, both those running backs combined have not crossed 1000 yards last season.

The Dallas Cowboys also need impactful players on the offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver. Jerry Jones has signed some veterans on bargain basement contracts. But they might not be enough if the team is to improve. Now, it seems he is working on some other deals to improve his team.

We’re looking at two things that could happen before or after the draft. Two pretty substantive trades. Been working on today.

Jerry Jones said on Tuesday

Nick Harris of the Star Telegram quoted the billionaire, revealing certain deals he is working on. If those words were to be true, the Dallas Cowboys could make some impactful moves. Early belief is that the franchise could be targeting Texas native Ashton Jeanty, but there is a possibility that he goes earlier than expected.

Ashton Jeanty could go as high as fourth pick

Most of the noise surrounding the NFL Draft concerns top quarterback prospects and where Travis Hunter will land. Flying under the radar has been Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty. He has quietly crept up the draft boards and new rumors suggest he could be the most intriguing prospect.

Cowboys could trade up to draft Ashton Jeanty
Cowboys could trade up to draft Ashton Jeanty (Image via Sleeper NFL/X)

The Dallas Cowboys would love to have a shifty ground pounder like Jeanty in their backfield. But so do other teams, with the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars showing a lot of interest in the star RB. Both those teams believe he is their missing piece.

The only caveat the Cowboys can think of is if they trade up to fourth. The New England Patriots hold that pick, but also know that their prime targets, Hunter or Penn State star pass rusher Abdul Carter, might be gone by then.

Rather than lose sleep on one pick, they could haul in at least a couple of them from Jerry Jones. That could be a win-win for both teams. The Cowboys could land Jeanty and suddenly have the most fearsome running back group in the league. The Patriots can regroup and add more than one impactful prospect.

Has Jerry Jones done a better job than last season?

When NFL free agency started, many looked towards the direction of the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, they and, particularly owner Jerry Jones, were the subject of a lot of ridicule after his ‘all in’ comment backfired.

This time, it did not fare any better, as Jones’ negotiations saw players sign elsewhere. Jones was again a subject of trolls, considering he paid over the odds for a few players, but decided not to do so with free agents.

However, when one looks at the signings so far, there is enough evidence that he has not completely fumbled it like last time. Those two running back signings might be questionable. Neither has hit the heights they once used to. At the same time, they might be able to use this opportunity to bounce back.

Along with them, the 82-year-old has signed veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler to cover the loss of Demarcus Lawrence. He also signed some bench players, as well as some veterans, to help reinforce both the offensive as well as defensive lines. Jones might have assembled enough cheaper alternatives to give his team more options than last season.

Related: 3 reasons why the 2025 NFL season will be ‘make or break’ for Joe Burrow