The math behind a blockbuster trade doesn’t lie. Jerry Jones told CNBC that the decision to trade Micah Parsons came down to straightforward numbers. “If you look at what his numbers are in terms of his compensation over the next five years… and then you look at those draft picks that we got, and you look at what those numbers could pay to other players, you’ll see about five of maybe the very best players as you can get in the NFL, for what one gets in Micah.” It was a calculation grounded in team building. And the Cowboys are already circling a potential next move to improve their offense.

In whispers around Seattle, JJ is rumored to be eyeing running back Kenneth Walker III, a former second-round pick. Walker has rushed for over 2,500 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in four seasons, showcasing explosive playmaking and big-run ability. Dallas’ running game has been a question mark, with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders failing to consistently punch through defenses. Walker’s skill set would slot perfectly as a reliable backfield leader, complementing the existing rushers and finally delivering balance to an offense highly dependent on QB Dak Prescott’s arm.

Walker is in the final year of his rookie contract, worth $8.4 million, a figure that makes the trade financially viable for Jerry Jones. Seattle is facing a roster crossroads with Zach Charbonnet ready to take over as the primary back. Trading Walker would bring in mid-round draft compensation, most likely a 2026 fourth-round pick. Yes, there is injury risk with Walker, but it’s manageable. Minor ailments have sidelined him at times, but nothing career-threatening. For a one-year rental at a low cost in draft capital and salary cap space, the Cowboys would be wise to take that gamble.

Seattle’s decision to trade Walker makes sense. They have Charbonnet under team control longer, and keeping Walker might mean losing him for nothing in free agency next year. Meanwhile, the Cowboys would gain a proven runner with upside and affordability. With Walker’s $2.6 million cap hit in 2025, Mr. Jones is looking at a calculated upgrade without breaking the bank. But while the Cowboys plot to reinforce their running game, the passing game almost handed them a heartbreak in Week 1.

CeeDee Lamb’s costly drops

WR CeeDee Lamb had a rollercoaster night against the Eagles. He racked up 110 yards on seven catches but dropped four passes. Two of those drops came on the game’s potential winning drive, a costly error in a tight 24-20 loss.

Lamb didn’t shy away from blame. “Man, that was terrible,” he said. “I can’t point fingers at anybody else. I take full accountability and everything else that comes with that. As a player, I’ve prayed for moments like that, and for the ball to come my way. To not come up with it, it stings a little bit.” The All-Pro’s candor shows he knows what’s at stake.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer called it a “team defeat,” making clear that Lamb remains a valued player who will rebound. Prescott concurred, emphasizing that Lamb’s ownership of his mistakes means there’s no loss of confidence. “He will make those plays [in the future],” Dak said. Lamb’s response to the setbacks was fiery. “I will tell you that if you think I’m not coming back 80 times harder than this — you’ve got another thing coming,” he warned. This chip on his shoulder could be the fuel Dallas needs to shake off the narrow loss and push forward.

The Cowboys face the New York Giants in Week 2 at the Bank. The Commanders dominated the Giants 21-6, making them a manageable opponent. If JJ’s squad can clean up its mistakes and sharpen its game plan, beating the Giants shouldn’t be a tall order. It’s all about bouncing back now.