Jerry Jones makes major statement on Cowboys’ next move after creating millions in cap space

The Dallas Cowboys have given themselves financial flexibility at the perfect time, and Jerry Jones is making it clear that the team is willing to use it.

Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones said the Cowboys are “in play” to make a trade if the right opportunity presents itself. The comments come shortly after Dallas restructured contracts to create significant additional salary cap room.

“The best way for me to answer that is not timing wise, right on something this morning or this week,” Jones said, via Calvin Watkins. “But if you look at it generally speaking, we’re in play. And that’s the best way to describe it.”

Jones went even further when discussing the team’s newly created financial flexibility, saying the moves demonstrate that Dallas has “really serious room to make a trade if we wanted to right now.”

That is significant for a Cowboys team that has already shown an appetite for adding talent to its roster.

Cowboys have room to make a move

Over The Cap currently lists Dallas with approximately $24.4 million in available cap space. That figure represents the Cowboys’ current cap situation, while the recent restructures created roughly $30 million in additional flexibility.

Those numbers should not be confused. The amount generated through restructures and the team’s remaining available cap space are separate figures.

What matters is that Dallas now has considerably more financial maneuverability than it did before the restructures.

And Jones made it clear that draft capital will not necessarily prevent the Cowboys from making a move.

According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Jones said he is not concerned about Dallas having only five picks remaining in next year’s draft. His focus is on improving the current team, and he remains open to trading additional picks if it helps the Cowboys upgrade the roster.

Defense could be the priority

If Dallas does make a trade, the move is expected to potentially come on the defensive side of the ball.

That would make sense given the Cowboys’ current roster construction and the possibility of adding another difference maker before the trade deadline.

Jones did not provide a specific player, position or timetable, and there is no indication that a deal is imminent. His comments were deliberately broad.

Still, the message from the Cowboys’ owner is difficult to miss.

Dallas has created financial flexibility, is willing to spend draft capital and, according to Jones himself, is “in play” if the right opportunity becomes available.

The Cowboys now have the resources to act. The question is whether the right trade target becomes available.