The Dallas Cowboys spent much of the offseason rebuilding a defense that finished 30th in the NFL last year. Jerry Jones isn't ruling out adding another piece before the season gets going.

During his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones was asked Tuesday whether Dallas remained involved in trade discussions around the league. Jones made it clear Dallas remains open to a deal and pointed to defense as the likely area of focus.

"The timing is conspicuously obvious. We could use it for this year's team. The cap is fungible; it laps over into multi-years, 3 or 4 on parts that you make available," Jones said. "That's hard to put your finger on. But that does show that we have really viable, serious room financially to make a trade if we wanted to right now."

Speaking on 105.3 The Fan on September 8, as reported by Dallas Cowboys.com, Jones said Dallas is still in play for a trade and indicated that any potential addition would more than likely come on defense, particularly to add depth.

The Cowboys have more than $30 million in available cap space after several recent contract restructurings.

Dallas created roughly $19 million in additional cap room by restructuring the contracts of defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback DaRon Bland and tight end Jake Ferguson.

The Cowboys now have $33.6 million in cap space that can be carried into 2027, according to the NFL Players Association.

That gives Jones some flexibility, but he isn't suggesting a trade is close. His comments point more toward Dallas being ready to act if a defensive need becomes obvious.

The Cowboys allowed a league-high 30.1 points per game last season. They hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, acquired pass rusher Rashan Gary and used five of their seven draft picks on defensive players.

Still, Jones has already said he likes the team's offensive playmakers and quarterbacks. His focus in potential trade talks is clearly elsewhere.

The Cowboys also showed recently that they're willing to use draft capital when they believe the right player is available. They acquired offensive lineman Broderick James from Pittsburgh for a seventh-round pick.

That financial flexibility gives Dallas another option if the revamped defense exposes a weakness once the season begins.

Cowboys' cap space gives Jerry Jones another option

According to a report by Chris Pownall of Dallas Cowboys News on September 8, Dallas doesn't have to spend the money immediately. The unused cap space can roll into 2027, giving the Cowboys another option if the rebuilt defense holds up.

That puts some pressure on the current group. If a weakness shows up early, Jones has already made it clear the front office has the financial room to address it.

There is no indication another trade is imminent. Jones specifically framed Dallas as being in play if the right opportunity develops.

For now, the Cowboys will see what their revamped defense looks like in real games. If it needs help, Jones has already shown he won't be afraid to look for it.

Written by

Evince Das