So having digested the trade for 24 hours

[Pass2Run]

it would make no sense to make this trade and then not sign and be aggressive in FA. Jerry knows this is not enough to fix this defense. if you get this DT it’s to maximize in Daks window.

That's the only way this makes sense. If you plan on keeping Pickens, Javonte, Lamb, Dak for a run.

They need a better DC and better defensive personnel. Jerry's biggest mistakes would be going for a run at it, but keeping UberFlush.

 

[rambo2]

We have 2 day 1 picks, no day 2 picks, and 2 day 3 picks..

5 draft picks total isn't much to work with.

2nd round Q. WIlliams
3rd round George Pickens
7th round Logan Wilson

 

[Chasing6]

He can be cut for free, but it saves us almost exactly what Williams makes. So basically cap wise you’d be getting Williams for no extra cap cost. Osa 2026 contract is guaranteed so Clark is the only logical one to cut. Then we need to add Steele and Diggs to the cut list, as well as probably 5/6 more. If they ain’t part of fixing things then move them out the door. We need real chsnge

However, we would then need to go get another DT. I would prefer to keep Clark at $12 to $15M.

 

[gimmesix]

Williams is a very good DT. We have not had a DT of his caliber in quite a bit of time. Now with Clark and Odi, the Cowboys have a pretty good DT rotation, something many of us have been clamoring for since who knows when.

The cost seems a bit high but it was always going to cost you a premium to get a top notch DT. So while I bristle at the cost, I can at least understand it.

Where I struggle is that this just seems more of the kind of haphazard roster building we see constantly from Jerry. How did he go from telling us in August he really liked our defensive talent assembled and that they were happy with what they added at DT to in a span of two months, making two major trades to fill a clear hole that any sane person knew was a problem when they broke camp. And when he finally realizes what most of us already saw, he's already dug himself a big hole that will be tough to get out from this year. In all reality, as much as I like Williams, we should be probably looking to the future and parlaying these top picks into a rebuild. We made a major trade as if we were a legit contender. We are not. This smells of Jerry overvaluing what he built yet again.

So I guess this is a longwinded way of saying, I still don't how I feel about the trade. LOL.

I don't care about Jerry overvaluing what he built. I just care about the team doing something right about it. I've been clamoring for a top-notch 3-tech for years and Quinnen Williams should be that. He's reunited with the coach who helped establish him at that and on a team that had already added a pretty decent 1-tech. This may be our best group of tackles since Parcells was here.

Since we don't use free agency, except for cheap players, the only way other than drafting for us to possible acquire a player like Williams is through a trade. I'd love to have gotten him for less, but I'd pay what it takes because we've used the draft often and have failed to accomplish much through it at DT.

Wilson is kind of a throw-in for me, kind of like bringing in Kendricks last year. He's a smart player who knows how to play the game but has lost some of his burst. Still should be better than what we had and might can help stabilize the LB corps, with Overshown hopefully, while we look to get better there.

My only regret about the trades is I don't think Dallas did enough. If Cincy was asking for a second-rounder for Hendrickson and would have accepted our 2027 second, I would have made that trade too. And I think we quibbled over late-round cost for Minkah Fitzpatrick. If the Dolphins were wanting a Day 2 or Day 3 pick for him, then we were right not to pay it.

I know fans would have been upset about losing a few more draft picks, but the draft is hit or miss and trading is the only other way we add talent. How many second-rounders have we hit on lately? It looks like EZ is going to be a good one, but that's about it. Would anyone seriously rather have Kneeland or Williams than Hendrickson? How many fourth- or fifth-rounders?

 

[Hawkeye19]

It is hard to judge the impact of these trades until we see the D on the field together

Getting some guys like Hooker, Dono, Overshown, and Revel out there also stands to make a difference

As far as cost— while it is high, it clearly isn’t with a mind for these additions being one year rentals. They want to build around Williams.

Lastly, and this is not being discussed enough but could end up being huge, is the “green dot” effect Wilson brings.

Communication issues and bad alignments and fits have been killing this D. Just getting a captain and leader at MLBer that can make the right calls and alignments could fix a number of issues that are plaguing us— let alone seeing improved physical play and coverage from that position in general

 

[Hawkeye0202]

In the salary cap era there is an owner that has managed to get his team into the Super Bowl three times, with three different head coaches, and three different starting quarterbacks. It is doable. But it takes a dynamic person in charge. Jerry Jones is not that kind of person.

LOL .....never said he was leading us to a Super Bowl. Only that it appears the Micah trade has triggered the old gambling Jerry from the 80s and 90s. Let's put it this way......when was the last time Jerry traded a future 1st round pick for a defensive player or traded for TWO defensive starters mid-season?

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I don't care about Jerry overvaluing what he built. I just care about the team doing something right about it. I've been clamoring for a top-notch 3-tech for years and Quinnen Williams should be that. He's reunited with the coach who helped establish him at that and on a team that had already added a pretty decent 1-tech. This may be our best group of tackles since Parcells was here.

Since we don't use free agency, except for cheap players, the only way other than drafting for us to possible acquire a player like Williams is through a trade. I'd love to have gotten him for less, but I'd pay what it takes because we've used the draft often and have failed to accomplish much through it at DT.

Wilson is kind of a throw-in for me, kind of like bringing in Kendricks last year. He's a smart player who knows how to play the game but has lost some of his burst. Still should be better than what we had and might can help stabilize the LB corps, with Overshown hopefully, while we look to get better there.

My only regret about the trades is I don't think Dallas did enough. If Cincy was asking for a second-rounder for Hendrickson and would have accepted our 2027 second, I would have made that trade too. And I think we quibbled over late-round cost for Minkah Fitzpatrick. If the Dolphins were wanting a Day 2 or Day 3 pick for him, then we were right not to pay it.

I know fans would have been upset about losing a few more draft picks, but the draft is hit or miss and trading is the only other way we add talent. How many second-rounders have we hit on lately? It looks like EZ is going to be a good one, but that's about it. Would anyone seriously rather have Kneeland or Williams than Hendrickson? How many fourth- or fifth-rounders?

Good post, G!

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Lastly, and this is not being discussed enough but could end up being huge, is the “green dot” effect Wilson brings.

Communication issues and bad alignments and fits have been killing this D. Just getting a captain and leader at MLBer that can make the right calls and alignments could fix a number of issues that are plaguing us— let alone seeing improved physical play and coverage from that position in general

It's called leadership....something badly needed by this defense

 

[Hawkeye0202]

2nd round Q. WIlliams
3rd round George Pickens
7th round Logan Wilson

Exactly..........those picks are ALREADY on the team

 

[Hawkeye19]

It's called leadership....something badly needed by this defense

For real. At least it’s the bye week and the team is desperate with their backs against the wall

It is likely too little too late for 2025, but they may get a jolt from these moves and start to “believe” lol

 

[gimmesix]

LOL .....never said he was leading us to a Super Bowl. Only that it appears the Micah trade has triggered the old gambling Jerry from the 80s and 90s. Let's put it this way......when was the last time Jerry traded a future 1st round pick for a defensive player or traded for TWO defensive starters mid-season?

I'm hoping. If Williams looks like the stud he is supposed to be and Wilson helps our defense turn around too, I think gambling Jerry might return. Now, in the past, the problem with gambling Jerry has been overpaying for OK players and not using the draft well, forcing him to overpay for those players. But we do draft better now.

Still, after 30 years of suffering, including those gambling Jerry years, I'm ready to do something different. If that means trading all our draft picks away for veterans, I say go for it. At least it would be interesting to watch.

 

[gimmesix]

However, we would then need to go get another DT. I would prefer to keep Clark at $12 to $15M.

I don't see us cutting Clark after trading Micah for him and the picks. It would be a senseless thing to do. Fans worry too much about how much players are getting paid. The Cowboys have room and can make room to keep who they want.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

For real. At least it’s the bye week and the team is desperate with their backs against the wall

It is likely too little too late for 2025, but they may get a jolt from these moves and start to “believe” lol

The true character of many players will be tested over the last eight games. Can they lose most of the next 8 games and STILL keep fighting to the end? We shall see but they should remember every game is part of their resume for their next contract........on tape.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Now, in the past, the problem with gambling Jerry has been overpaying for OK players and not using the draft well, forcing him to overpay for those players. But we do draft better now.

THIS is what I forgot to say....lol. He either didn't know or care about overpaying...lol

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Still, after 30 years of suffering, including those gambling Jerry years, I'm ready to do something different. If that means trading all our draft picks away for veterans, I say go for it. At least it would be interesting to watch.

Exactly........relying solely on drafting and bottom-feeding free agents hasn't worked at all.

 

[gimmesix]

THIS is what I forgot to say....lol. He either didn't know or care about overpaying...lol

I think back then his ego told him he could just buy the players he wanted. He didn't worry about the draft and put it in the hands of a friend (Larry Lacewell) using the good ol' boy system. What he found out is that you can't completely substitute for good drafting. You've got to add a mix of young players and veterans to build a complete roster.

Then, his overpaying for good, not great, talent led to the epiphany that they needed to be cheap in free agency because you don't get your money's worth. They went all-in on the draft and pretty much all-out on free agency instead of just being more picky about the high-priced free agents they signed. You can't make Brandon Carr one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league when his talent doesn't put him in that company. You can find high-priced FAs who are worth the money. That was the lesson they refused to learn.

So now, all we can expect of them is to draft decently, bring in low-cost free agents and make trades. I'm all for the trades since we don't use high-cost free agency to bring in quality players. We rely on getting lucky with players like Javonte Williams.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I think back then his ego told him he could just buy the players he wanted. He didn't worry about the draft and put it in the hands of a friend (Larry Lacewell) using the good ol' boy system. What he found out is that you can't completely substitute for good drafting. You've got to add a mix of young players and veterans to build a complete roster.

Well, in his defense, the first major trade for Joey Galloway ( two 1st rounders ), he was trying to help his Super Bowl QB ( Aikman) after a back injury cost Michael Irvin his career. His intent was good but still a bit too much for Galloway.

 

[Chasing6]

I don't see us cutting Clark after trading Micah for him and the picks. It would be a senseless thing to do. Fans worry too much about how much players are getting paid. The Cowboys have room and can make room to keep who they want.

I am not worried about the Cap, however I do not trust Jerry and him spending it properly.

Hopefully he is serious about having urgency and knows the clock is ticking. He needs to go All-In for the 2026-2028 seasons. Then Stephen can do a full on rebuild.

 

[phildadon86]

Williams is a very good DT. We have not had a DT of his caliber in quite a bit of time. Now with Clark and Odi, the Cowboys have a pretty good DT rotation, something many of us have been clamoring for since who knows when.

The cost seems a bit high but it was always going to cost you a premium to get a top notch DT. So while I bristle at the cost, I can at least understand it.

Where I struggle is that this just seems more of the kind of haphazard roster building we see constantly from Jerry. How did he go from telling us in August he really liked our defensive talent assembled and that they were happy with what they added at DT to in a span of two months, making two major trades to fill a clear hole that any sane person knew was a problem when they broke camp. And when he finally realizes what most of us already saw, he's already dug himself a big hole that will be tough to get out from this year. In all reality, as much as I like Williams, we should be probably looking to the future and parlaying these top picks into a rebuild. We made a major trade as if we were a legit contender. We are not. This smells of Jerry overvaluing what he built yet again.

So I guess this is a longwinded way of saying, I still don't how I feel about the trade. LOL.

Here is my issue.

Bringing Williams in is great. I love the move.

Jerry also said he doesn’t want to change DCs because of continuity.

My worry. This team wastes Williams under Eberflus.

Not to mention I still have 0 faith in Schottenheimer.

 

[phildadon86]

He's never been mediocre, so don't know why he suddenly would be.

Bad coaching.