Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is signaling that the team may not be finished improving its roster.
After Dallas’ 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jones emerged from the locker room with an unusual message for reporters.
“There is nothing more dangerous than an old man with money,” Jones said, reported the Dallas Cowboys.
Asked Tuesday during his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan whether the remark was intended in a football context and reflected a willingness to make another move, Jones left little ambiguity.
“Very much, very much,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t under no circumstance, with that audience, be referring to anything other than a football context.”
Jones then went further.
“I said it out of context, but I’m glad I said it. We were just feeling so good about our win that we were feeling our oats. We say this just right, don’t tamper. My point is, it’s good. We have the makings of a team here that I’m that optimistic about. I’d work to improve it in a minute financially.”
The comments come as Dallas prepares to face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.
Jones Leaves Door Open To Another Move
Jones did not identify a player, position or potential transaction the Cowboys are pursuing.
His remarks nevertheless represent a clear acknowledgment that Dallas would be willing to spend more if the front office believes the right opportunity becomes available.
The Cowboys enter Week 3 at 1-1 after rebounding from a season-opening loss to the New York Giants with Sunday’s win over Washington.
Dallas produced 37 points against the Commanders, while Dak Prescott became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.
The defense also showed improvement, generating 12 quarterback pressures, though Dallas failed to record a sack.
Jones singled out defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark for praise.
“Both outstanding,” Jones said. “Quinnen is just one of the best players in the entire league, period. And certainly one of the best in the interior line in the league. And Kenny Clark has the reputation he has because of how consistent he is at a high level. So that gives us cornerstone in the middle.”
The Dallas Express Previously Challenged Cowboys To Spend
Jones’ comments stand out because questions about the Cowboys’ willingness to spend aggressively have followed the franchise for years.
In February, The Dallas Express Sports Network columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor argued that Jones needed to back his rhetoric with significant roster investment after years of avoiding major outside free-agent contracts.
Taylor wrote that Dallas needed “receipts, not rhetoric” after previous “all in” statements failed to produce the type of blockbuster offseason some fans expected.
The Cowboys ultimately did become more aggressive.
DXSN reported in March that Dallas had rebuilt much of its defense without completely blowing up its budget, adding multiple players while giving first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker significant influence over personnel.
The organization later continued investing in its defensive front.
Quinnen Williams signed a three-year, $105.9 million extension with Dallas in August, making him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league.
Stephen Jones also told the Dallas Express Sports Network in May that strengthening the defense had been one of Dallas’ biggest offseason priorities.
Now Jerry Jones is publicly signaling that the spending may not be finished.
Secondary Injuries Could Create Need
Dallas may have reason to keep looking for help.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said cornerback Cobie Durant and safety P.J. Locke could miss multiple weeks after suffering injuries against Washington.
Durant suffered a hamstring strain, while Locke tore the plantar fascia in his foot.
Dallas was already without safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in Week 2.
Schottenheimer did not rule out either player returning against Baltimore, but said doing so could be difficult given the shortened preparation and travel schedule.
Those injuries could add urgency to any conversation about roster depth, particularly with Jackson and the Ravens next on the schedule.
Running Game Still Needs Work
Jones also identified another area requiring improvement: the Cowboys’ rushing attack.
Dallas carried the ball 21 times for just 66 yards against Washington, averaging 3.1 yards per attempt.
“Yes, I would like for the run game to have looked or have been executed better,” Jones said. “But we’re going to get there. The pieces are in place to have a better running game, let’s put it like that.”
Javonte Williams was held to 30 yards on 12 carries.
Dallas is also awaiting the return of All-Pro guard Tyler Smith, who has missed the start of the season while recovering from a thumb injury.
Jones said the team is still working with an approximately four-week recovery timeline.
The Cowboys said the earliest Smith would be eligible to return is Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cowboys Head To Rio
Dallas now turns toward one of the most unusual games on its schedule.
The Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 27, at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. Central, according to the team’s official schedule.
The matchup will mark the first NFL regular-season game played in Rio and the Cowboys’ first regular-season international game since defeating Jacksonville in London in 2014.
It also presents a major defensive test.
Jackson’s ability to extend plays and create offense with his legs will challenge a Dallas defense that allowed Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels to scramble six times for 69 yards before he left Sunday’s game with an injury.
Whether Jones’ comments ultimately lead to a trade or signing remains uncertain.
For now, however, the Cowboys owner has made one thing clear: if he sees a chance to make Dallas better, he says money will not be the obstacle.
