Cowboys blockbuster coming? Jerry Jones keeps door wide open for pre-Week 1 trade

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2026 season with plenty of intrigue, and owner Jerry Jones has added another layer by refusing to close the door on a potentially significant trade.

With Dallas preparing to face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 1, Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys remain willing to explore a major deal if the right opportunity emerges.

The season opener is just around the corner, leaving Dallas with limited time to add another piece before the regular season gets underway.

Jones isn't promising that a blockbuster is imminent, as is position is considerably more measured. Dallas will make a move only if the circumstances line up and the addition genuinely improves the roster.

That distinction matters because the Cowboys have already shown they're willing to think big. Last year, Dallas traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for a package headlined by two first-round picks and Kenny Clark .

The Cowboys later used some of that acquired draft capital to land Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.

Those moves demonstrated that Jones and the Cowboys' front office aren't necessarily afraid to make aggressive decisions when they believe a deal can significantly improve the team. The same approach could now apply as Dallas looks to build a defense capable of competing at the highest level.

Dallas still has room to make another splash

The possibility of another major addition isn't simply speculation, as Dallas has created additional financial flexibility by restructuring several contracts, giving the organization more room to maneuver if an appealing opportunity becomes available.

Jones has indicated that the Cowboys could use that flexibility to strengthen this year's roster, with another defensive addition appearing to be a particularly logical possibility.

Dallas has already undergone a significant defensive overhaul and brought in Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, so adding another proven playmaker could raise the unit's ceiling.

There may not be an obvious blockbuster available before Week 1, which makes an immediate deal difficult to predict. However, the trade landscape can change quickly once games begin. Players who appear unavailable now could become realistic targets if their teams struggle, injuries create roster needs or front offices change their plans.

Names such as Joey Porter Jr. have been floated as potential defensive targets, while other established pass rushers could become available if their respective teams reconsider their positions later in the season.

Jones is keeping his options open rather than forcing a deal. The Cowboys don't need to make a splash simply for the sake of making one, and Jones' comments suggest the team understands that.

Still, Dallas' recent willingness to make aggressive trades has changed the perception of the franchise. After years of conservative roster management, the Cowboys appear more prepared to use draft capital and financial flexibility if doing so gives them a better chance to compete for a championship.

If the right opportunity appears before or after Week 1, don't be surprised if Jones picks up the phone.