“If we could do it where we sit right now, I would add to it,” Jones said, via the Cowboys’ website. “But the adding to it is a big statement. It’s unlikely we’ll get the opportunity from outside coming in. But if it’s there, I’ll do it.”

Joey Porter Jr. recently arrived to strengthen the secondary, but defensive issues still appear to be the Cowboys’ biggest concern. With several names being discussed, it remains to be seen whether the team will ultimately make a trade to bolster this unit.

Trade deadline is fast approaching

The 2026 NFL trade deadline is officially set for Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 PM ET. Coming right after Week 9 action wraps up, it gives front offices one final chance to either load up for a deep playoff push or sell off assets to stock up on draft picks before the midseason window slams shut for good.

Prioritizing the running game in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys’ most recent win over the Philadelphia Eagles had a distinctive feature: their running game forced their opponents to focus on stopping it, allowing Dak Prescott to approach his playbook differently. This is something Jerry Jones valued as the team looks ahead to the remainder of the season.

“That lets us have the opportunity to get Dak under center a lot more, and that’s a big key too,” Jones said. “That presents a different defensive challenge for the opponent if he can get under center a lot. We saw that happen acceptably well.”

What’s next for the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into an intriguing stretch in their 2026 schedule. First up, they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 1, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. After that, they travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 8, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Finally, they return home to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 15, back at AT&T Stadium.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones said it is “unlikely” the Dallas Cowboys make a trade deadline deal.
• The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 PM ET.
• The Dallas Cowboys next host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 1, at AT&T Stadium.

“There’s a good chance Christian is on the field,” Schottenheimer said during his press conference. “Christian Parker is our defensive coordinator. All (defensive) decisions will go through him.”

The coach also addressed the possibility of Parker taking on a new role in the booth. “None of those decisions have been finalized.” To address their shortcomings, it is clear that certain changes need to be made within the Cowboys organization.

Defensive issues plague America’s Team

The Cowboys’ defense has been an absolute trainwreck through the first five weeks of the 2026 season, sitting near the absolute bottom of the league in both total yards yielded (31st) and points allowed (26th) while ranking dead last in EPA per play. Despite investing heavy capital during the offseason, the unit has looked completely lost—failing to generate consistent pressure, bleeding big plays, and forcing new defensive coordinator Christian Parker into a trial by fire.

Desperate to stop the bleeding before the season completely spirals, Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer coaxed veteran defensive guru Mike Pettine out of retirement as a senior defensive assistant. The hope is that Pettine’s extensive experience—and his mastery of disguised pressures and mug fronts—can act as a steadying hand for Parker, help fix the scheme’s massive coverage gaps, and salvage America’s Team on that side of the ball.

A big opportunity to fix the problems

America’s Team face a massive Week 6 matchup this Sunday, October 18, against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, giving their struggling defense the perfect stage to make a statement. Heading into Green Bay sitting at 2–3 after a tough loss to the Buccaneers, the Cowboys desperately need to clean up their schemes, tighten coverage gaps, and show immediate progress.

Going up against a solid Packers squad in a high-stakes primetime environment isn’t an easy task, but if Dallas can dial up pressure and hold its ground, it could be the exact turning point its defense needs to get the season back on track.

Key takeaways

• Brian Schottenheimer stated Christian Parker is our defensive coordinator.
• Jerry Jones announced Mike Pettine’s arrival to the Dallas Cowboys.
• Dallas Cowboys defense ranks dead last in EPA per play.

“We did not underestimate (Micah Parsons’) ability. It was reinforced when Green Bay gave us all the picks that we got. We’re on plan with how we’re using those picks. We want to have that show up in success with wins on the field. But nothing about that has surprised me at all. And we wish Micah the best,” Jones said on 1053 The Fan.

The Cowboys and Packers will face off in the upcoming Week 6 Sunday Night Football matchup. Parsons, who is still recovering from an injury, will cheer on his teammates from the sidelines at Lambeau Field in a game filled with emotions and plenty of storylines.

Cowboys got a big return in Parsons trade

The Cowboys traded superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers in exchange for a massive package centered on draft capital and defensive depth. In return, Dallas received Green Bay’s 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, and Pro Bowl veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Jerry Jones’ team parted ways with the All-Pro pass rusher after contract extension talks stalled, paving the way for Green Bay to lock up Parsons with a massive four-year, $188 million extension upon his arrival.

Immediate adjustments on defense

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense must urgently make structural adjustments if they hope to salvage their 2026 season. Through the first five weeks, the unit has been an absolute liability, ranking dead last in the NFL by allowing an alarming 168.4 rushing yards per game and holding a league-worst 32nd ranking in third-down defense.

The inability to stop the run or get off the field on key downs prompted owner Jerry Jones to step in; following a frustrating week, the owner announced Cowboys’ change to defense as defensive coordinator Christian Parker moves from the sidelines to the coaches’ booth in hopes of better calling plays and stabilizing a leaky unit.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones denied that the Cowboys underestimated Micah Parsons in their trade with Green Bay.
• Dallas received two first-round picks and Kenny Clark in exchange for Micah Parsons.
• Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker will move to the coaches’ booth to call plays.

Although Jones revealed that the Cowboys don’t plan to fire defensive coordinator Christian Parker, it’s clear that Parker is walking on thin ice early in the season. While his job in Arlington is relatively safe—at least for now—his role on Sundays has changed, as Jones himself told the media. That’s all in addition to the hiring of Mike Pettine to join the defensive staff midway through the NFL season.

Heading into a pivotal matchup against the recently re-energized Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, a lot is on the line. Even though Jones denied underestimating Micah Parsons when he was traded to the Packers, the issue is far from settled. Ahead of such a high-stakes duel, Dallas is changing things up on defense. Parker is moving on from his usual place on the sidelines and will call plays from the booth, instead.

“That’s the main emphasis. We will spend some specific attention to areas. We’re going to coach the defense not on the field, but from above. [Defensive coordinator Christian] Parker is going up above,” Jerry Jones admitted during an interview on 105.3 The Fan. “You should be looking for ways to adapt and make changes to improve. That’s the point of improving from the results we’ve had the last few weeks.”

Cowboys hire Pettine

When news broke of Pettine joining defensive coordinator Parker going forward in the 2026 NFL campaign, many saw it as a sign of Dallas getting cold feet on the hiring of the young defensive mind. However, Jones offered a different perspective.

“I like the move. There had to be something tangible that they came with on Monday. I feel like adding a veteran mind like Mike Pettine is a positive direction,” Jones stated, via 105.3 The Fan.

Cowboys’ defense stats

Dallas has the second-worst defense in the league, statistically speaking. Through the first five weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the Cowboys have allowed 1,977 total yards, an average of 395.4 per game. Only the Detroit Lions have posted worse numbers to start the year.

Moreover, the Cowboys have conceded 136 points, which ranks 26th in the league and translates to an average of 27.2 points allowed per game. As much of an impact as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams are having, it’s plain to see why Dallas is 2-3 and Jones has made a pivotal change to the way the defense operates.

First test for Cowboys after defensive changes

Not only will Parker abandon his post on the sidelines, but he’ll also have a veteran presence in Pettine working alongside him. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but the first test will come in Wisconsin, where Micah Parsons won’t be playing for the home team, though his departure from the visitors will be revisited time and again.

Key takeaways

• Defensive coordinator Christian Parker will call plays from the booth instead of the sideline.
• Dallas hired veteran coach Mike Pettine to join the defensive staff following Week 5.
• The Cowboys defense has allowed 1,977 total yards through five games this season.

Jones was asked whether a player could be worth sacrificing future draft capital at this stage of the season. His response suggested that the Cowboys would consider giving up picks if the right opportunity emerged, particularly for a player who could contribute beyond the remainder of the 2026 campaign. Dallas has already shown that it is willing to make aggressive moves, having acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The latest comments come at a difficult moment for the Cowboys, who dropped to 2-3 after losing at home to a Buccaneers team that entered the game without a win. Tampa Bay’s offense produced 419 total yards, including 241 on the ground, exposing the defensive issues that have plagued Dallas early in the season. Rather than signaling a retreat, Jones indicated that the organization is still looking for ways to improve the roster.

Will Cowboys make a trade?

It’s possible. When asked whether he believed one player was worth giving up draft capital for, Jerry Jones made his position clear while emphasizing that Dallas would not pursue just any available veteran.

“Yes (make a trade). I wouldn’t give up future capital for a player who didn’t have some future or potential future that you could add years to. But yeah, I would. The future capital that you have are draft picks and those guys have question marks with them too. So, if we do see an opportunity and it fits for us, we’ll take a good look at it. This isn’t fold the tents here.”

Jones’ comments suggest that age, long-term value and the possibility of keeping a player beyond this season would factor into any potential deal. The Cowboys are not simply looking for a short-term solution; they want an acquisition who could help address their immediate weaknesses while remaining a valuable part of the roster in the years ahead.

The defense is an obvious area to watch after its performance against Tampa Bay, particularly with Dallas struggling to stop the run and consistently get off the field. However, Jones did not identify a specific trade target or guarantee that another deal would happen.

The Cowboys remain at 2-3, and their next matchup against the Green Bay Packers on October 18 will provide another test. For now, Jones has left the door open: if the right player becomes available at a price Dallas considers worthwhile, the team is prepared to take a serious look.

The defeat was particularly frustrating because the Buccaneers entered the matchup without a win, yet managed to control the game on the ground and expose Dallas’ defensive problems. Tampa Bay rushed for 241 yards and finished with 419 total yards, putting Parker under scrutiny as the Cowboys attempt to turn around a unit that has struggled to deliver consistent performances.

Jones was directly asked whether it would be premature to consider firing Parker after just five games. His response did not rule out the possibility of a change, but it suggested that he was conscious of the risks of making a decision too quickly. The Cowboys owner also addressed whether he still believes Parker can get the defense back on track.

Will Jerry Jones and Cowboys fire Christian Parker?

When asked if it was too early to make a change at defensive coordinator, Jerry Jones replied, “I don’t want to be accused premature.” The brief answer left the door open to interpretation, as Jones avoided making a definitive commitment about Parker’s job security following the disappointing loss.

However, Jones was more direct when asked whether he had confidence in Parker’s ability to turn the defense around. The Cowboys owner made it clear that he still believes the coordinator can improve the unit, even as criticism mounts following the performance against Tampa Bay. “I do. Yes, I do. He’s sitting there taking it on the shoulders which goes with the territory, but I feel that he’s competent.”

Jones’ comments offer Parker some public backing, but the pressure is unlikely to disappear after such a damaging defeat. Dallas hired Parker to help rebuild a defense that struggled last season, and the early results have raised concerns about whether the changes are producing the desired impact. For now, Jones has expressed confidence in his coordinator rather than announcing a change, but the defense’s performance in the coming weeks could play a major role in determining how long that support lasts.

Key takeaways

• Cowboys suffered a shocking 24-16 loss against the Bucs.
• The Cowboys’ defense is struggling after five weeks.
• Jerry Jones has confidence in Christian Parker.

The true test will come in the coming days, weeks, or even months, when the Cowboys begin extension talks with Porter Jr. and his camp, which, if George Pickens‘ drama has taught Dallas anything, should be a troubling one.

As reported by Todd Archer of ESPN NFL Nation, Porter Jr. shares the same agent as Pickens: David Mulugheta. In fact, the Cowboys have 20 players set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason, and six of them are represented by Mulugheta.

Considering how contract talks went with Pickens, another player brought to Dallas from Pittsburgh, it should be easy to connect the dots and expect a similar fate when Jones and the brass sit down with Mulugheta.

Similarities between Porter Jr. and Pickens

Pickens and Porter Jr.’s situations look too similar. Both were traded from the Steelers to the Cowboys ahead of or during contract years, and because neither was a first-round pick, the Cowboys can’t use a fifth-year option on their expiring rookie deals. The main difference is that Porter Jr. will make a little less, based on the fact that cornerbacks aren’t quite at the wide receivers’ payroll level in the NFL.

Other than that, it looks like Jones and Dallas have put themselves in the exact same situation they went through last year and during the offseason with Pickens. In the end, the Cowboys franchise-tagged Pickens, and the wideout out of Georgia accepted that, as he is now trying to increase his price tag with a strong 2026 NFL campaign.

Cowboys could franchise-tag Porter Jr.

The same could happen to Porter Jr., especially if negotiations between Jones and Mulugheta get off to a tense start. There’s clearly too much water under the bridge for the two sides to simply put it past them. And in more ways than one, even if the Cowboys mimic Pickens’ standoff to perfection with Porter Jr., that may be the best-case scenario.

The alternative would be repeating what happened with Micah Parsons, also represented by Mulugheta. They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Jerry Jones has definitely done that, though in some ways, he’s sold America’s Team’s soul to Mulugheta, who now has a big say in what the future will bring for Dallas.

Key takeaways

• Agent David Mulugheta represents six Cowboys players entering unrestricted free agency next offseason, including Joey Porter Jr.
• Dallas cannot use a fifth-year option on Joey Porter Jr. or George Pickens.
• Pickens accepted the franchise tag in Dallas after a contract standoff last season.

According to the insider Jon Machota on X, America’s Team owner said on 105.3 The Fan that there are “conversations going on” right now about potentially upgrading the roster. However, he did not specify which positions the team is looking to strengthen.

That said, in order to avoid tampering violations, Jones declined to make specific comments about Joey Porter Jr.’s situation. The cornerback is currently at an impasse in contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and leaving Steel City is one of the possibilities.

The Cowboys’ defense was one of the areas the franchise focused on most during the offseason. Will they continue adding names and talent in an effort to turn the season around in the short term?

Cowboys’ deficit so far this season

Despite maintaining an explosive offense led by Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ primary deficit in the 2026 NFL season continues to be their struggling defensive unit. The defense currently ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 27.3 points per game (25th in the NFL) and a staggering 387.0 total yards per game (30th).

The issue is particularly glaring against the run, where opponents are gouging them for 5.0 yards per carry and ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed (179.7 per game). Furthermore, the unit has been unable to get off the field on critical downs, sitting dead last in the league by allowing a 58.8% third-down conversion rate.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones acknowledged ongoing internal conversations about upgrading the roster.
• Dallas holds a 1-2 record heading into Week 4.
• Their defense currently allows 27.3 points per game.

“I don’t know about an expansion,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “I see the games continuing like they are. And I see the ethos, if you will, of the game, the story of the game really expanding all over the world. But fundamentally, to have an expansion team, probably is pretty far. If it’s here, it’s in the future.”

The creation of a new team, especially one based outside the United States, is not something that can happen overnight. For now, Jones believes it will take a considerable amount of time, but he did not rule out the possibility of it happening.

Goodell confident he can make his vision a reality

The fact that the NFL has been taking games to different countries around the world for years is a clear indication of the league’s ability to expand the sport internationally. While Jones does not appear particularly convinced by the project of a new team, Goodell believes that sooner or later it will move forward, along with the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl outside the United States.

“At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day,” Goodell told Markus Kuhn in interview for German broadcaster RTL/ntv.

He also said about the Super Bowl: “There are definitely international cities that could host something like that. But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first.”

What international games remain this season?

The rest of the 2026 NFL international slate features a stacked lineup starting in Week 3 with Jerry Jones taking his Cowboys down to Rio de Janeiro to face the Baltimore Ravens at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. After that, London takes over for three straight weeks: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders in Week 4, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, and Houston Texans vs. Jaguars in Week 6.

The global tour finishes off with Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints in Paris (Week 7), Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons in Madrid (Week 9), New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions in Munich (Week 10), and wraps up with Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City in Week 11.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones expressed skepticism regarding near-future NFL expansion into European markets.
• Roger Goodell expects global expansion and potential Super Bowl hosting in foreign cities.
• Dallas faces Baltimore at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during Week 3.

“We’re better than we’ve been the last two years on defense,” Jones stated to the press once the game concluded. Dak Prescott’s offense has always been the team’s biggest strength, but now the Cowboys are more balanced following their recent additions.

It is often said in the NFL that defenses win championships. This season, the Cowboys spared no expense in strengthening that side of the ball, and it is clearly starting to pay off.

Schottenheimer agrees with Jones

The Commanders presented a tough challenge, especially with a leader like Jayden Daniels on the other side. America’s Team had to work hard to get the job done. There are still areas to improve, but Brian Schottenheimer echoed Jones’ comments about the defense’s improvement.

“Overall, I thought the communication was better. There’s certainly things to clean up. We certainly did a poor job of containing Jayden (Daniels), but he can do that. He does that to a lot of people. That’s really where the rush yards got away,” Schotty said during his press conference.

“And then we got some things to improve on third down. I thought we really rushed the passer well. I don’t know what the pressure numbers were. I know we didn’t get any sacks, but (Daniels) and Marcus (Mariota) were both moved off the spot quite a bit. So, I felt good about that. But there’s always things to clean up. We certainly have not arrived. We got a lot of work to do.”

Washington couldn’t handle the pressure

The Cowboys’ defense finally flexed its muscles when it mattered most to lock down a 37-20 win over Washington. While they got ripped early on by Jayden Daniels’ legs, the defense slammed the door shut right at the goal line before halftime.

In the second half, they came out swinging—forcing a crucial fumble that flipped into an instant touchdown two plays later and shutting Washington down to just 10 points after the break.

Significant improvements on Dallas’ defense

The Cowboys‘ defense went from a top-tier group to a complete liability over the past two seasons. In 2024, they were solid enough, allowing roughly 27.5 points per game, racking up 52 sacks, and picking off 13 passes. But the 2025 campaign was a total disaster: they allowed a franchise-record 511 points (over 30 a game), saw their sacks plummet to 35, and managed a measly 6 interceptions.

They simply couldn’t get off the field or force turnovers, transforming what used to be an aggressive unit into one of the league’s most porous defenses.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones praised the defensive growth after previous concerns over unit strength.
• Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20 behind a second-half defensive surge.
• 511 points allowed in 2025 set a franchise record for Dallas’ struggling defense.

“They just did a good job all over,” Jones said speaking on 105.3 The Fan. “And I will tell you, they were better than we thought they were. I’m anxious to see how New York continues to play, but I really — combination of things. We didn’t play as well as we should play and can play, but they played better than I thought they could.”

The NFL has provided plenty of evidence that underestimating opponents can be extremely counterproductive, and that is something Jones experienced firsthand. Now, America’s Team will have to learn their lesson in order to secure their first win of the season.

Time for Dallas to bounce back

The Dallas Cowboys got off to a rough start with a 28-20 loss to the Giants, leaving Jerry Jones and the franchise needing a quick turnaround to avoid an early-season panic. Cowboys have no time to dwell on that divisional setback, as they return to AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Sunday, September 20, for a Week 2 matchup against another NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders.

With high expectations surrounding the team, bouncing back on its home turf against Washington is practically mandatory if America’s Team want to get their season back on track before things get too chaotic.

AT&T Stadium will remain unchanged

The controversy surrounding the large windows at AT&T Stadium, which can sometimes allow sunlight to bother players, does not appear to be an issue for Jerry Jones. The Cowboys owner stated that he has no intention of tinting the windows, as was recently done at the stadium during the 2026 World Cup.

“I really don’t know about that at all,” said Jones. “So, no, not necessarily.” He also added: “No, I don’t think so. I don’t know of any plans to surprise our fans.”