Stephen Jones Eyes Potential Trade Ahead of NFL Draft to Strengthen Dallas Cowboys Roster

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones is keeping a keen eye on potential trade opportunities to strengthen the roster ahead of the season. The Cowboys, coming off a strong 2024 campaign, are determined to build on their success and are exploring ways to enhance key positions, potentially through strategic trades.

Addressing Key Needs

While the Cowboys have a solid roster, there are areas where Jones believes they can improve to increase their chances of securing a Super Bowl title. With the draft just around the corner, the team’s front office is actively exploring trade options to acquire talent that can immediately impact their roster. The Cowboys have made it clear they are not shy about making bold moves if it can elevate their championship hopes.

The key areas of focus for the Cowboys appear to be defensive line depth, wide receiver, and adding depth to the offensive line. Although the team boasts a strong defensive front and dynamic weapons on offense, there are always opportunities to upgrade, especially with such a crucial year ahead. Jones is reportedly in discussions with other teams about packaging some of Dallas’ later draft picks to target established players or those with high upside, making the most of their resources in a competitive NFC landscape.

Possible Trade Scenarios

Several trade scenarios have been discussed in Cowboys’ circles, though specifics are not publicly confirmed. One area where they may look to make an impact is at the wide receiver position. While CeeDee Lamb is undoubtedly the team’s number-one target, Dallas could benefit from adding another reliable veteran pass-catcher to complement their star player. This could give quarterback Dak Prescott more options and improve the overall balance of the offense. If the Cowboys target a wide receiver through a trade, they would be looking for someone who can be an immediate contributor, either as a starting option or a high-quality second or third option in the rotation.

On the defensive side, Dallas’ defensive line has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, but they could still benefit from additional depth. With standout players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence leading the charge, a trade to bring in a pass rusher or defensive tackle could provide more flexibility, ensuring that the defense remains as formidable as ever. A deeper defense could also help address any injury concerns and allow for greater rotation, keeping key players fresh throughout the long NFL season.

Moreover, offensive line depth could be a focus as well. The Cowboys have generally enjoyed stability along the line in recent seasons, but with aging veterans and some unproven talent waiting in the wings, a trade for an experienced offensive lineman could be a prudent move. This would bolster Dak Prescott’s protection and provide more security against potential injuries, ensuring the offense runs smoothly throughout the year.

Cowboys’ Draft Strategy and Trade Considerations

Although the Cowboys have their eyes on trades, they are also aware of the importance of the draft itself. The Cowboys possess a number of early-round picks that could provide them with the opportunity to add high-quality players who can contribute right away. However, Jones and his team are known for not making picks based on hype or need alone. Dallas prefers to select players who fit their system and have long-term potential.

If the Cowboys make a trade ahead of the draft, it could involve moving up in the draft order to secure a highly coveted prospect, or they might trade back to acquire more assets. This flexibility is crucial for Dallas, as they are always looking to stay ahead of the curve in the highly competitive NFC East division. By staying aggressive, Jones hopes to position the Cowboys to make a deep playoff run, and potentially even a Super Bowl appearance.

One factor that could play into Dallas’ trade plans is the uncertainty surrounding the availability of certain players. Teams around the league will undoubtedly be looking to shed salary or make moves to free up cap space, which could lead to opportunities for the Cowboys to strike deals. If they can secure the right player at the right price, Jones will not hesitate to make a move that could boost the team’s chances for success in 2025.

Looking Ahead

For now, the Dallas Cowboys’ front office remains focused on evaluating potential trade targets while simultaneously preparing for the draft. While no trades have been finalized, it is clear that Stephen Jones is actively working behind the scenes to position the team for success in the upcoming season. The Cowboys’ pursuit of roster upgrades ahead of the draft suggests they are not content with simply maintaining their current level of play—they want to elevate their chances of winning a Super Bowl.

As the days tick down toward the NFL Draft, the Cowboys’ strategy will likely come into sharper focus. Whether through trades or strategic draft selections, the goal remains the same: to build a team capable of competing at the highest level in 2025 and beyond. If Stephen Jones is successful in executing his vision, the Cowboys could emerge as one of the most well-rounded and formidable teams in the NFC, positioning themselves for another exciting season of football.