Stephen Jones Updates Cowboys' Trade Talks Ahead of 2026 NFL Deadline, Names Position of Need

Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones indicated his team is willing to consider adding defensive help ahead of the trade deadline in order to "make a run" in an injury-weakened NFC East.

"A pressure player could help us," Jones said when asked in his Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan what position could assist the Cowboys most right now.

Jones noted as of Friday the Cowboys "haven't really seen a lot of movement" in talks ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

"You never know," Jones said. "We're obviously on the phone, and having exchanges, but I right now wouldn't say anything's imminent or about to happen... If we saw the right thing that could help us, our goal would be to make this team better to make a run."

The comments come shortly after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in his own recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan he likes the way his team's current defensive unit is "trending."

The Cowboys have spent the last year attempting to bolster a defense that has flagged in the absence of Micah Parsons with everything from trades (Rashan Gary and Joey Porter Jr.) to signings (Jalen Thompson) and draft selections (Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence).

Despite allowing the most rushing yards against in the NFL this season, the Cowboys remain in sight of a potential postseason run thanks to a 3-5 record that has the team ahead of both the Washington Commanders (2-4-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (2-6) heading into Week 9.

When discussing his team's stance on the trade deadline, Jones described the lead the Giants (4-2-1) hold over the NFC East as "not anything that's insurmountable if we can pick it up in terms of finishing."

The Cowboys' defense excelled in the first half of last Sunday's overtime loss to the visiting Arizona Cardinals before falling apart late in the overtime loss.

Dallas will look to bounce back from that performance Sunday during a road game against the Indianapolis Colts, which have already started trading away key players ahead of the deadline.

When asked if the outcome of Sunday's matchup would have an impact on the Cowboys' deadline direction, Jones said only his team is focused on the "day to day."