The Dallas Cowboys are making it abundantly clear that they have zero intention of playing it safe this season. Fresh off a blockbuster late-night trade that brought Pittsburgh Steelers star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Texas, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has sent shockwaves through the NFL by hinting that the franchise’s trading spree might not be finished yet.
With the Cowboys sitting at a disappointing 1-2 through the opening weeks of the 2026 campaign, the front office is feeling immense pressure to turn things around. Rather than hitting the panic button or waiting quietly for the winter window, Jones is doubling down on a win-now mentality that could completely reshape the roster before the November 10 trade deadline.
Jerry Jones Teases Future Moves: “Everything is Fluid”
Appearing on his usual spot on 105.3-FM The Fan, Jerry Jones didn’t hesitate to keep the rumor mill spinning at maximum velocity. When asked if the acquisition of Porter Jr. would be the final fireworks of the autumn, the legendary owner left the door wide open for further roster enhancements.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Jones explicitly refused to rule out future trades, noting that “everything is fluid.” Emphasizing his unwavering confidence in the current locker room, Jones stressed that landing Porter Jr. is an aggressive win-now statement. “It’s a belief in where we are, what we can do right now,” Jones explained to reporters.
You don’t need to read between the lines to realize that Jones is operating with an uncharacteristic sense of urgency this season. Having already parted ways with significant draft capital in previous deals for players like Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, George Pickens, and now Porter Jr., the Cowboys currently hold just four picks heading into next year’s draft—including zero selections in the third, fifth, or sixth rounds.
ESPN Predicts More Action Before the Deadline
Despite the depleted draft pick stash, prominent analysts believe Dallas may not be done wheeling and dealing. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently highlighted the Cowboys on his shortlist of teams likely to make major moves before the November 10 trade deadline.
Graziano noted that while recent seasons have proven the Cowboys are far more disciplined in the front office than critics give them credit for, something feels distinctly different about Jones this year. His desperation and willingness to do whatever it takes to elevate the group have defined the autumn.
To replenish their drained draft assets, league insiders suggest Dallas could look to package a backup player or two in exchange for future picks. However, given Jones’ win-now appetite, another splashy acquisition cannot be ruled out.
Can Joey Porter Jr. Save the Cowboys’ Defense?
The immediate priority for Dallas, however, is integrating their newly acquired defensive cornerstone. Following a 2025 campaign that saw the Cowboys field one of the worst defensive units in the NFL, early-season struggles have continued despite six new starters stepping into the lineup.
Enter Joey Porter Jr. The son of the legendary NFL linebacker arrives in Dallas with massive expectations, tasked with shoring up a secondary decimated by injuries. League sources have indicated there is a genuine chance Porter Jr. could make his explosive Cowboys debut as soon as Sunday against the high-flying Houston Texans.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised the cornerback’s rapid transition during Friday’s press briefing. “Stacking a second day today is the key, go out there and do what he did yesterday, which was really impressive,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Adding red zone defense is in there today, and that will be a big part of us feeling comfortable. He’s trending the right way and working hard at it.”
If Porter Jr. can hit the ground running and stabilize a leaky secondary, the Cowboys might just salvage their season. But one thing is certain in Dallas: with Jerry Jones pulling the strings, the drama on and off the field is only just beginning.
Do you think Jerry Jones should keep trading future draft picks to chase a Super Bowl ring this season, or should the Cowboys start building for the long-term future?
