Stephen Jones & the Dallas Cowboys: From Splash to Caution

[Bamx]

The Dallas Cowboys have been NFL mainstays for decades, but their postseason success hasn’t matched their profile, thanks Stephen.

Since their last Super Bowl in 1995, the team has cycled through coaches, quarterbacks, and coordinators with no real breakthrough.

The hidden root of the problem? Stephen Jones’s rise to power in the front office.

From salary cap control to contract negotiations and free agency philosophy, Stephen’s cautious approach has reshaped the Cowboys, keeping them stable but rarely championship-caliber.

The Shift From Splash to Caution​

While Jerry Jones remains the owner and public face, Stephen has become the real architect behind the team’s strategy.

His style is defined by:

• Avoiding expensive free agents
• Delaying contract extensions
• Draft-focused roster building
• Minimal external voices in decision-making

But in the modern NFL, teams do not win with this mindset and strategy.


https://insidethestar.com/stephen-jones-and-the-dallas-cowboys-from-splash-to-caution

 

[Jipper]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

 

[morat1959]

“Daft focus roster building”….does putting NO stock in the most important position on the field for nearly 3 decades fall under this?

 

[Jarntt]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

I would say Milton was much less of a splash than Lance.

 

[Jipper]

“Daft focus roster building”….does putting NO stock in the most important position on the field for nearly 3 decades fall under this?

Well..they did luck into Romo and dak, both starters and that has covered the position for 2 of those 3 decades hence why they have likely not put more assets there - not saying i agree with it just making an observation

 

[Jipper]

I would say Milton was much less of a splash than Lance.

Sure but the fact that he's a qb and has starter potential has to be taken into account

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

“Daft focus roster building”….does putting NO stock in the most important position on the field for nearly 3 decades fall under this?

They've put stock into the position. Whether we like Romo or Dak they spent money on those two guys as well as their backups.

 

[fivetwos]

The refusal to change what has been proven to not work is what is the most frustrating.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Sure but the fact that he's a qb and has starter potential has to be taken into account

Yes and no. While I personally think he has potential, his 6th-round status says he has even less starting potential than even a Mike White or Trey Lance had. But from what I've heard, he's been inconsistent and lost at times, but looks to be able to play in the NFL more than a Lance...which is crazy because Lance was highly regarded.

 

[big dog cowboy]

But in the modern NFL, teams do not win with this mindset and strategy.

We already know this. We watch it on full display every year!

 

[Jarntt]

All this Stephen talk for years now...It's still Jerry and every call passes his desk. He may listen to Stephen some but Stephen isn't making final decisions.

 

[Jipper]

Yes and no. While I personally think he has potential, his 6th-round status says he has even less starting potential than even a Mike White or Trey Lance had. But from what I've heard, he's been inconsistent and lost at times, but looks to be able to play in the NFL more than a Lance...which is crazy because Lance was highly regarded.

well he has a cannon for an arm and the athleticism to put it together IF he can get the reads right, anticipate and slow the game down. He had 4 years in college, which is good, and only 1 so far in the NFL so developmentally this is a critical year. The initial reports from OTA's sounded like he was a positive standout with ability but needs to work on the elements that we have all read about. Additionally, love reading the work ethic and approach he has - something to be said about that.

 

[fivetwos]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

Yep….make a move when it’s time to keep the head above water, but when they are closer to actually having a real shot to win, they are talking about saving cap pennies for their jersey sellers.

This is either deliberate or they don’t have the ability to recognize where they are roster-wise. Either one is a problem.

 

[TwistedL0g1k]

Dallas was one of the worst teams in the league ranked by dead money for 3 years during the Garrett era before Stephen started handling things. That influenced his approach. Dallas also felt burned by some expensive free agent signings like Carr, which also was an influence. For a time, things seemed heading in the right direction. The cap problems were cleaned up. Much needed depth was acquired, and more resources were devoted to defense- which significantly improved under Quinn.

Now Dallas is reverting to a top-heavy roster, depth is being lost, and the recent contract for the QB will prove crippling. Several bad roster decisions have been made, and precious draft capital poorly allocated. Dallas wouldn't have to "avoid expensive free agents" if the cap and roster were better managed.

 

[Jarntt]

Sure but the fact that he's a qb and has starter potential has to be taken into account

Are we talking about that or splash moves? I wasn't addressing the talent of the player(s)

 

[TexasHillbilly]

well he has a cannon for an arm and the athleticism to put it together IF he can get the reads right, anticipate and slow the game down. He had 4 years in college, which is good, and only 1 so far in the NFL so developmentally this is a critical year. The initial reports from OTA's sounded like he was a positive standout with ability but needs to work on the elements that we have all read about. Additionally, love reading the work ethic and approach he has - something to be said about that.

After watching him play in college, he doesn't make good decisions. jmho

Maybe that will change but I just don't think so. Hope I am wrong.

 

[Bamx]

All this Stephen talk for years now...It's still Jerry and every call passes his desk. He may listen to Stephen some but Stephen isn't making final decisions.

Are we sure at this point? Is it possible that Jerry has some cognitive impairment going on and Stephen is mostly in control.
Jerry is 82 and not getting any younger.

 

[fivetwos]

All this Stephen talk for years now...It's still Jerry and every call passes his desk. He may listen to Stephen some but Stephen isn't making final decisions.

Agree but he definitely listens to the kid, who doesn’t seem to be strongly driven to win.

Something changed after that Manziel situation.

I mean they don’t sign anyone that they didn’t draft unless it’s a bargain….as determined by whom?

Was Brandon Carr really that bad to the point where they are going to choose to shoot themselves in the foot during player acquisition season every year for the rest of eternity, have it not work, and keep at it the same way?

Sorry I got on a little rant there lol. Happens.

 

[morat1959]

Are we sure at this point? Is it possible that Jerry has some cognitive impairment going on and Stephen is mostly in control.
Jerry is 82 and not getting any younger.

Believe what we tell you not what you see….sound familiar?

 

[McKDaddy]

Was Brandon Carr really that bad to the point where they are going to choose to shoot themselves in the foot during player acquisition season every year for the rest of eternity, have it not work, and keep at it the same way?

Exactly. Jerry himself described it pretty accurately when he said they paid "retail". That doesn't mean the player or the deal were terrible just that maybe you overpaid a little.

I mean it's not like you paid an Albert Haynesworth and got virtually nothing for your dollars.

Get over it & get back in the game of trying to build a SuperBowl winning team.