The Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, once again is stirring the pot. With the NFL trade deadline approaching in no time, and all the contenders making moves, Jones is teasing the NFL with his trademark response. He chose suspense over specifics: instead of confirming any kind of roster shift, he dropped another carefully measured tease, fueling speculation.

As per the Dallas Cowboys team reporter, Nicole Hutchison, “Jerry Jones just told the media that there “is no trade” right now but there “is one that he can do” and he’s “leaning towards doing it.”

So with the pressure dialed up on a scuffling Dallas team, Jones fell back on an old favorite: staying in the headlines without yet pulling the trigger on the move that’s demanded of him. The message is clear: The Cowboys aren’t out of the market… but neither are they in it.

And again, Jones’ timing and tone speak as much to a strategy about control and attention as to upgrading the roster.

Jones reiterated that same sentiment again, telling reporters, “There is one trade I can do. And I am leaning towards doing it.”

That statement is essentially what Jones floated earlier this week on SiriusXM, insinuating he had a deal lined up, and again declining to name names. It’s a classic Jones move: build intrigue, hold the mic, and make sure the story stays in Dallas.

The Cowboys do have needs, particularly on defense, and long-term talent additions should be paramount. With this season’s defense struggling and the team in danger of falling out of contention, analysts point to potential splash names like Maxx Crosby or Jeffrey Simmons, with such moves set to impact 2026 and beyond.

It’s not the first time Jones has engaged in such conversations. Recently, in an interview with SiriusXM, he admitted, “When it gets slow, I stir that shit up. Fact. I just want to be relevant. I just want you to be looking at us.”

Jones quickly followed with the point that headlines don’t interfere with winning, ”I don’t think that has ever kept us from scoring a touchdown. I don’t think it has kept us from having a football player. I don’t think it has ever kept us from having the financial wherewithal to get a football player.”

Still, Cowboys fans want to hear about wins. Coming off a 27–17 loss to the Cardinals and a 3-5-1 record, Dallas cannot afford to be the loudest team sitting still.

And his recent comment draws fire over his priorities.

Jones  ‘100 billion’ remark

In a Wall Street Journal interview, published when a big natural gas investment was announced, Jones said: ”There’s $100 billion present value with gas out there. That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense with the Dallas Cowboys.”

The comment immediately drew scrutiny-especially as the Cowboys’ defense continues to struggle. Critics argued that the statement reinforced a long-running concern that Jones splits focus between football and his vast business empire.

Days later, on local radio, Jones attempted to explain: “Me sitting here talking on this phone with you, the visits I’m having with my fans through [this radio interview], that’ll help score touchdowns.”

He insisted his outside ventures don’t detract from football: “Every day, every time I can, I’m looking for ways to give advantages to the Dallas Cowboys.” But even correcting course, he acknowledged outside interests compete for time, something no other GM in the league can claim.

In the end, the comments by Jones seemed to only continue the long-standing debate: should he remain both owner and general manager, or pass football control to a full-time executive? For now, nothing changes. Whether he makes the mystery move or not, Jerry Jones has accomplished one thing so far: the league is watching, the fan base is talking, and the Cowboys are once again right at the center of the NFL spotlight.

Now, Dallas waits to see if that hype turns into action before the deadline clock expires.