The Dallas Cowboys stand at a crossroads following a humiliating Week 8 defeat against the Denver Broncos, 44-24. As expected, trade rumors for many players, like Trevon Diggs, Jalen Tolbert, Mazi Smith, and others, have subsequently increased. With the NFL trade deadline almost a week away, quarterback Dak Prescott sent a strong message to teammates. The message was simple, looking in rather than out for answers.

According to Cowboys insider Nick Harris, Prescott spoke up while addressing the media when asked about the increasing trade rumors surrounding the team.
”Forget a trade, do more. Step up and shut the talk up,” he said bluntly. The quarterback’s two-word demand to the locker room: ‘do more,’ says everything.

When asked if he thinks that adding a player would make all the difference, Prescott was adamant but realistic: “I hope. I trust and I like the guys we have. I honestly do, that’s not just a political answer. Our roster is OK. Can it be better? That’s for you guys to write about and judge.”

Prescott’s message says a lot regarding what the Cowboys’ locker room is like, one sitting on the fence between faith and frustration. He has publicly complimented his teammates all season long. The on-field reality is something else. The Cowboys took the field on Sunday short-handed to an extreme, minus three safeties, a cornerback, and a linebacker due to injury. Even if healthy, the defense has not been able to adjust to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ zone-based scheme.

Ironically, even after being traded to the Packers, Parsons’ 2024 pass-rush numbers are still leading the Cowboys this season. In an odd twist, the Packers came into Week 8 with the NFL’s top-5 defensive unit (allowing a mere 76.5 yards per game), while Dallas is still treading the line.

Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones seems to be having a calm face publicly, even as the rumors get louder. When asked if the loss might have some bearing on trading, Jones waved it off. “If you’re talking about trading for a player or trading a player, I’d completely look at it on the merits of the team, both for next week or the weeks after or for the longer term,” Jones said after the game.

He continued, “So I’d have to answer your question, no, today would not affect a decision on trading for a player.” Nevertheless, the rumors outside the Cowboys’ front office tell a different story.

Dak Prescott’s Cowboys under trade talks

The Cowboys have been one of the most active teams trying to get something done. Dallas, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, has been aggressively pursuing defensive help, asking a number of teams for a game-changer. “Dallas is trying. They’ve actually called around,” Glazer reported Sunday.

He continued, “They called the Raiders for Maxx Crosby, was told no. They called the Bengals for Trey Hendrickson, were told no. They are calling around for help on defense.”

Dallas ranks last in total defense, surrendering roughly 401.6 yards per game. They’ve allowed about 260 passing yards and 142 rushing yards per game, while giving up 30.8 points per game.

Those issues trace their origins to the offseason decision to cut Micah Parsons. Opposing quarterbacks have had a 110.6 passer rating against Dallas since Parsons left, a record that no quarterback in NFL history has even approached over the course of a career. Replacing that amount of defensive playmaking isn’t going to be simple, but Jones appears willing to shell out the money to correct it.

However, DeMarvion Overshown will return to the field in Week 11. Overshown accumulated five sacks as a rookie, and his return might stabilize a front seven that badly needs things to become more consistent in the production column.

For the moment, though, everyone’s holding their breath for Dak Prescott, after his steady voice amid a storm of turbulence. And Jerry Jones’ next move could very well set the tone for the Cowboys’ season.