The Cowboys’ defense remains a major concern. Through seven games, they rank last in the NFL in total defense, surrendering 401.2 yards per game, and sit 30th against the run – a glaring weakness that was supposed to be addressed with the addition of Kenny Clark in the Micah Parsons trade. Yet, despite the move, the unit continues to underperform. And amid this rough situation, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might soon be forced to make a decision, but with limited cap space.

Reporter Jon Machota highlighted the urgency, noting that the team’s defense is still the league’s worst. He even stressed that the Cowboys need to make a trade move as soon as possible. Currently, Dallas has approximately $30.78 million in available salary cap space.

“And while linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will return in the next few weeks, that’s not enough,” he wrote. “More help is needed on that side of the ball at all three levels. At least one defensive addition needs to be made. Trading Micah Parsons gave Dallas plenty of draft picks and salary-cap space. The Cowboys have everything needed to make a notable move … or two.” Thanks to their salary cap space of $30 million.

But any move should be made before the trade deadline on November 4. So, is Jerry Jones ready for a trade? Well, according to the reports, he himself assured that the team is “in position to make that trade,” and that too in defense. But before that, it seems the Cowboys are pinning their hopes on the return of injured players first.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is expected to return in November following his knee injury. He practiced for the first time in 317 days on Wednesday. On the other hand, cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. might also make his debut this season after recovering from an ACL injury.

“We will weigh what are the likelihood of the players we’ve got coming back,” Jones told the reporters, “how will they impact where that will put this team as opposed to should we add a player in a trade? And I don’t have a trade in mind. At all. And that comes about right now if someone is on the phone calling.”

The word on the street is that the Cowboys have reached out to the Las Vegas Raiders about acquiring defensive end Maxx Crosby. But landing Crosby could still be a challenge.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Cowboys have an offensive player waiting on a contract extension.

Jerry Jones’ team has yet to decide on George Pickens’ contract value

In the absence of Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver George Pickens has stepped up big time. With six receiving touchdowns in just six games, he’s tied for the most by any Cowboys player through that stretch since the AFL and NFL merged back in 1970. In fact, his touchdown record this season has tied second in the league. So, it isn’t a surprise that the Cowboys hope to see the player back on the roster and have been discussing the same.

As Dan Graziano suggested, the team has an expected schedule to finalize a deal for the WR. “The Cowboys have had internal discussions about a possible extension for receiver George Pickens,” Graziano wrote, “to the point where they’ve been examining the rosters and cap situations of teams like Cincinnati, Miami and Philadelphia, who are all paying multiple high-end receivers.”

Even Jones has confirmed that the franchise is indeed currently in talks about the WR’s contract after his explosive performance to elevate the offense. That said, the WR’s market value will continue to rise.

While an extension deal for Pickens doesn’t seem to be happening this year, he might have to wait a little longer while the team tries to correct its messy defense.