Jerry Jones wants to give Brian Schottenheimer new tools to turn season around and admits negotiations are underway

The Dallas Cowboys have spent much of the past year rebuilding a defense that failed to meet expectations, yet three games into the 2026 NFL season the work is clearly not finished.

Dallas enters Week 4 at 1-2 after a painful loss to Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, and injuries have only complicated matters.

The secondary has been hit particularly hard, while the defense as a whole has struggled despite a series of high-profile additions. That has pushed Jerry Jones back into the trade market.

“We’re right on top of it,” Jones said during his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan. “We’re very aware of the moving parts out here. We should be. And communication is a big part of that.

“The answer to your question is, yes, there’s conversations going on,” Jones added. “Not specific to the player you just mentioned… Trying to avoid tampering here, folks.”

Joey Porter Jr. hanging over conversation

The player Jones was being asked about was Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. , who has reportedly drawn interest from Dallas and Detroit.

Porter has missed the first three games of the season with a back issue, but he was a full participant in practice Monday and could be moving closer to a return. His contract situation, however, may be just as important as his health.

The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie deal and is seeking a long-term extension. Pittsburgh has traditionally been reluctant to fully guarantee future salary beyond the first year of a contract, while Porter is believed to want stronger security.

That difference has fueled speculation that the Steelers could listen to serious offers. Porter has said publicly that he wants to play for Pittsburgh and has denied requesting a trade, but the Cowboys have obvious reasons to monitor the situation.

Dallas already spent heavily on defense

Jones hasn't been shy about trying to upgrade Brian Schottenheimer ’s roster.

Dallas has added Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark through trades while also using premium draft capital on Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence . Even with those moves, the Cowboys entered Week 4 ranked 30th in total defense.

Injuries have made the problem worse. Cobie Durant is dealing with a hamstring issue, while Dallas has also been forced to dig deeper into its secondary depth.

Jones has already made clear that money won't stop him if he believes the right move is available.

“We have the makings of a team here that I’m that optimistic about, and would work to improve it in a minute, right now, financially,” Jones said previously.

The bigger complication is draft capital. Dallas has already used significant future assets in previous deals, meaning another major trade would require careful calculation.

Any move for Porter would likely involve both valuable picks and a substantial extension afterward. That makes the next decision one of balance rather than ambition.

Jones clearly still believes this team can turn its season around. The question is whether the Cowboys are willing to spend again to give Schottenheimer one more major piece.