Cowboys vs. Jaguars: 4 questions that remain unanswered

Will a great performance usher a trade?

The Cowboys have a very talented linebacker corps. And newcomers in Micah Parsons and Keanu Neal are expected to play significant snaps, perhaps even as starters depending upon which defensive formation lines up to begin the game.

Throw in a stellar preseason performance from fourth-round rookie linebacker Jabril Cox, and suddenly the futures of both Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith seem to be in serious jeopardy.

While Vander Esch is entering a contract year in Dallas after the team refused to pick up his fifth-year option, it feels as if Smith is doing so as well despite being under contract through 2025 (there’s a potential out in 2022 according to spotrac.com).

Another strong performance by Cox on Sunday against the Colts or even potentially someone like Luke Gifford might make the Cowboys’ brass comfortable enough to pull the trigger on a trade that would send either Smith or Vander Esch out of town. Especially if they are able to get a high draft pick or fill a need on their current roster by doing so.

Will the Cowboys go winless in the preseason?

We all know that winning in the preseason is meaningless. Still, tune-up games are a real thing. And sending your team into the regular season on a win could have a positive impact on the club. While emerging from Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars relatively healthy is paramount, coming away with your first win of the preseason would be a great way to begin the regular one.