Jerry Jones isn’t done making moves in the Dallas Cowboys. After confirming Matt Eberflus will continue guiding the defense, the Cowboys’ owner reportedly turned his attention to the defensive roster. Signaling Jones’ intent to shake up a defensive unit that has failed to meet expectations.

Dallas is seeking an elite pass rusher to revive a defense that has struggled to create consistent pressure and is open to trading its 2023 first-round defensive tackle.

“Dallas is in the market for a pass rusher, sources say. Arden Key, the Dolphins’ Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, and the Raiders’ Malcolm Koonce are among the edge rushers who could be traded. Cowboys are open to trading 2023 first-round DT Mazi Smith, who has only played in five games this season,” reporter Brandon Loree posted today on X.

The Dallas Cowboys’ front office views a trade of potential trade targets as a necessary step to restore balance between the defensive front and the secondary. 

Mazi Smith, drafted 26th overall in 2023, has seen his snap count drop this season. He’s recorded just 3 tackles through five games, a steep decline from last season. His limited production has raised concerns about his fit in Dallas’ evolving defensive scheme. By exploring these edge-rush options, the Cowboys aim to bolster their pass rush.  

Compared to Arden Key of the Tennessee Titans, Jaelan Phillips has produced better numbers this season. Key has seen a drop in his production from the previous season, recording only 6 tackles in 5 games. Phillips, on the other hand, in 9 games posted 25 tackles, 3 sacks, and recovered one fumble. 

Bradley Chubb stands out as another potential trade pick from the Miami Dolphins, next to Malcolm Koonce. In 9 games, Chubbs secured 4 sacks, 25 combined tackles, and a forced fumble. Koonce has only played in 7 games for the Las Vegas Raiders this season, posting 17 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble.

Matt Eberflus could potentially decide between Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips among this lot to reinforce the defense.

Jerry Jones classifies Matt Eberflus as a “high-end coach” for the Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones ends speculation about a possible staff change after a turbulent first half of the season. Stating in his comments about how much he values Matt Eberflus’ experience and defensive structure despite recent inconsistency. He has confirmed Eberflus will lead the defense going into the postseason.

“Coach Eberflus has been a high-end coach. Right now, he’s not satisfied with where we are. We all have to be better, as a team, all our players, all our coaches, all our executives, all ownership; everybody needs to look in the mirror and see where they can be better,” Jerry Jones said.

The Dallas Cowboys’ total defense ranks at the bottom this season. The unit has struggled to sustain pressure, forcing Eberflus to rely on rotation-heavy fronts to stabilize a defense. Against the Washington Commanders, despite missing key starters, Eberflus mixed zone coverage and interior blitzes to limit Washington to 5.3 yards per play. The approach balanced offense and defense, a strategy acting as proof of the coordinator’s adaptability.

Eberflus’ effectiveness has helped Dallas remain competitive. With the Cowboys seeking a pass rusher at the trade deadline, Jones expects Eberflus to maximize any new additions.