Picture the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason strategy like a high-stakes Texas Hold’em game. Jerry Jones sits at the table, poker face intact, while Stephen Jones casually tosses chips into the pot. The stakes? A fanbase hungry for another ’90s dynasty revival. But instead of going all-in on flashy free agents, the Cowboys are playing it like a chess match—methodical, patient, and just cryptic enough to keep everyone leaning in. Think Tom Landry’s fedora tilt meets Jones’ analytics.
Now, the latest move? Stephen Jones’ free agency comment has finally tipped the Cowboys’ hand. “We’re not done yet,” he told reporters Sunday, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “Still got some things that are outstanding that we’re trying to get done.” Hence, Dallas isn’t folding. But with 10 new faces already in the locker room—and no blockbuster signings—fans are left wondering.
Is this a slow-burn masterplan or another offseason of “almost”? The Cowboys’ 2025 free agency strategy feels like a rerun of a classic Western. Familiar faces return (Osa Odighizuwa, Markquese Bell), while new gunslingers like LB Kenneth Murray Jr. and CB Kaiir Elam ride into town. But the lack of headline-grabbing moves has critics comparing this to 2024’s 7-10 flop. Stephen Jones, though, insists the front office is still hunting…
“Missed a few guys along the way, too, in terms of the number just being a lot higher than we thought it would be on a couple guys. Overall, we’re real pleased with what we were able to do with our roster and help the team,”Jones added. Translation: Dallas got outbid, but the war chest isn’t empty. So, what’s next?
Through trades and signings, the Cowboys have added 10 players in free agency. Stephen Jones said the Cowboys shored up holes at DL, LB, RB. “We’re not done yet. Still got some things that are outstanding out there that we’re trying to get done,” he said.
One spot: backup QB.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 30, 2025
A backup QB hunt and extensions for Dak Prescott’s supporting cast. “We look at the full package, you’re probably not going to get all things just right or exactly what you want,” Jones said about QB2 targets. Meanwhile, the draft looms with Texas WR Matthew Golden mocked at No. 12. But with $34.5M in cap space, the Cowboys could still make a play for unsigned vets like Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen. However, no Cowboys storyline drips with more drama than Micah Parsons’ contract saga.
The 25-year-old phenom wants to reset the non-QB market—think $200M+—and Dallas is tiptoeing through negotiations. “Micah likes to visit, so that’s a good thing,” Jones quipped, channeling his father’s knack for vague optimism. Parsons, set to earn $24M in 2025, has leverage: 10+ sacks yearly since his 2021 debut, including 12 in just 13 games last season. But the clock is ticking.
With Maxx Crosby ($106.5M) and Myles Garrett ($123.5M guaranteed) setting new benchmarks, Dallas risks alienating its defensive centerpiece. Jones remains coy: “We have a great working relationship with Micah. Think the world of him. We’ve had good visits with him. Feel good about where we’re headed.” Besides, they’ll pay… eventually.
Extending Dak’s teammates: Jones’ silent priority
While Parsons dominates headlines, Stephen Jones quietly signaled another goal: locking down Dak Prescott’s weapons. When asked about extensions for CB DaRon Bland and TE Jake Ferguson, Jones didn’t bluff: “Those are really good football players that we want to keep around.”
Let’s break it down:
DaRon Bland: 9 INTs, 5 pick-sixes in 2023. A ball-hawk who vanished in 2024 due to injuries.
Jake Ferguson: 71 catches, 761 yards in 2023. A safety valve whose production dipped without Prescott.
Both enter contract years in 2025, and Jones knows their value will skyrocket with strong seasons. “You have to have two sides to get a negotiation done, and we’ll certainly look at that with those guys,” he added—a nod to the delicate dance ahead. Besides, the Cowboys’ offseason feels like a jigsaw puzzle missing a few key pieces.
They’ve plugged holes at LB, DL, and RB but left fans craving a “wow” move. Stephen Jones’ free agency comment—“We’re not done yet”—hints at more to come, but skepticism lingers like Texas summer heat. As philosopher Yogi Berra once said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” For Dallas, the future hinges on balancing fiscal caution with bold strokes. Will patience pay off, or will Jerry’s poker face finally crack under pressure?
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