Stephen Jones doubles down on Cowboys all-in strategy

If you follow the Dallas Cowboys at all, you already know that COO Stephen Jones was out and about at the start of free agency this week.

First, he made an appearance alongside sister and Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones Anderson at SXSW, a music festival in Austin, TX.

Thursday morning, Stephen Jones made his way back to Arlington to attend a PBR announcement event for “Rock n Rodeo”.

If Jones thought he was going to escape this event without speaking to the media, he was sorely mistaken.

Dallas Cowboys journalist Patrik “No C” Walker and several others caught up with Jones and asked some questions we’ve all wanted answers to.

It’s refreshing that the silence from the Cowboys’ front office has finally been broken, but that doesn’t mean Cowboys fans will be happy with what Stephen had to say.

Eric Kendricks

Jones was asked about how it all went down with coaxing new LB Eric Kendricks away from San Francisco.

If you’re late to the party, Kendricks had agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers early Wednesday morning, but as the day progressed he had a change of heart.

Instead, perhaps from persistent calls from DC Mike Zimmer, Kendricks decided to be a member of the Cowboys and went down as their first free agent acquisition of 2024.

When asked specifically “Why Kendricks?”, Jones’ first words will trigger PTSD in Cowboys fans:

“Obviously, with our cap situation, we’re moving some things around and trying to make sure where we want to allocate things.”

He went on to say that he’s excited about what Kendricks can do for the defense with his familiarity in Zimmer’s defense.

Free Agency

Jones was then asked if the Cowboys’ front office is frustrated with the lack of big-name signings to begin the 2024 Free Agency.

Spoiler alert: they aren’t.

“It’s not frustrating because we’ve done a good job with the draft. I think we have 10, maybe 11 Pro Bowlers. That’s a sign that our organization… has done our job in terms of developing players.”

Jones continued:

“And, of course, you’ve got guys like [Trevon] Diggs, Zack [Martin], Tyron [Smith] that play here. When you wanna keep your players you’ve developed and worked so hard to get, that are playing Pro Bowl levels, then you’re not gonna be able to go out and chose those free agents.”

In layman’s terms, don’t expect much spending at all this offseason, even if extensions are completed with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Running Back

Jones was asked to address the situation at running back with the departure of Tony Pollard to Tennessee and backup Rico Dowdle still sitting in free agency.

“I think we’re having to make some tough decisions right now. This organization that’s been built on great backs…we’re big believers in backs. They bring a lot to the table. Unfortunately, we’re at a point where we have to make some decisions in terms of where we allocate dollars.”

This doesn’t move the needle too much for me because all of the running backs who were out of the Cowboys’ comfort zone have already been scooped up.

I expect the Cowboys will draft a running back to pair with a low-priced veteran.

Jones also added, “I don’t think you win a Super Bowl on the first, second, or third day of the new league year.”

All-In

Jones was then asked how the Cowboys organization feels towards the fans who feel frustrated with their version of “all-in”.

His response here:

“Everybody certainly has the right. I know what the frustration is: the fact that we haven’t had success in the playoffs to their satisfaction. Until we do that, the criticism is going to be there, and we know that’s going to be there.”

No, Mr. Jones. The current frustration doesn’t have anything to do with failed playoff runs.

It has way more to do with the fact that the only risks the organization takes seem to be with second-round picks with character or injury concerns.

Jones continued:

“But we’re going to stick by what we believe will ultimately get us a championship here for our fans. We don’t define all-in as what you spend in free agency.”

Brace yourselves, Cowboys fans. Here comes exactly what you don’t want to hear.

“It’s [all-in] keeping your core and some of the great players in this league like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Trevon Diggs. That’s what we define as all-in, is trying to keep those guys.”

Never forget, Cowboys Nation. We like our guys.

Dak Prescott’s Contract

Perhaps the most important question of the offseason was saved for last, and Jones again didn’t exactly exude genuine confidence in his response.

Where do things land with Dak Prescott’s contract negotiations?

“Dak’s been willing to work with us, and we’ve had great discussions about his contract. He’s all in on working with us. That’s about all we’ll say about our negotiations with him. We wanna keep those private. And we won’t get into timelines, but it’s a priority for us.”

In other words, they probably haven’t made much progress since Dak and his agent, Todd France have all the leverage in contract negotiations.

While we appreciate the fact that Dak’s contract is being labeled as a priority, negotiations haven’t gone that great with France.

That’s why the Cowboys are in the predicament they’re in. They balked at the money Dak was asking for four years ago until it drove his price up to the point they were uncomfortable.

If nothing else gets done this offseason besides one transaction, I pray it’s a new contract for Prescott.