Cowboys less likely to make defensive trade addition?

Calls about high-profile edge rushers such as Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson have been made recently, but nothing is imminent regarding a move of that magnitude. Owner Jerry Jones has publicly expressed a willingness to part with some of the draft capital acquired in the Micah Parsons blockbuster. It would come as a surprise if that were to take place in the middle of the campaign, of course, but even a smaller deal may not be forthcoming.

The Cowboys fell to 3-4-1 on the season with their lopsided loss to the Broncos on Sunday. Dallas’ defense delivered another poor outing, surrendering over 400 yards for the fourth time in 2025. Internal reinforcements are on the way in the form of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in particular, and Jones’ latest comments certainly suggest his return to full health will mark the most significant addition for the Cowboys’ defensive outlook.

“I don’t know what’s realistic,” Jones said about a trade addition (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “Could one better player — if we didn’t pay too big a price to have a better player on defense to possibly help?… Are we one player away on defense? I think we’re not. I think we’re more than that away, but what we’re closer to than it looks, in my mind, is executing better on defense.”

Many will no doubt remain skeptical about the Cowboys’ ability to rebound defensively, at least to the point of helping the team emerge as a true contender. A rental addition would likely do little in that regard, so standing pat on the trade front could prove to be a sensible move. On the other hand, Dallas ranks second in the league in scoring and fourth in total offense on a per game basis; even a move to mediocrity on the other side of the ball could allow the team to contend for the playoffs as a result.

With over $31MM in cap space, Dallas could easily afford a rental addition ahead of the November 4 trade deadline. If Jones holds true to his stance on the team’s defense needing more than one short-term acquisition, though, it would come as no surprise if he elected to stand down on the trade front this season.