3 biggest takeaways from Cowboys’ Jerry Jones’ press conference

The 2023 Senior Bowl is currently underway in Mobile, Alabama. All 32 teams have representatives available to scout prospects for April’s draft. For the Dallas Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones are taking in the practices before Saturday’s game.

Cowboys fans weren’t exactly asking for a Jones-centered press conference on this Wednesday, but they also know better by now. The Jones’ can’t help but find the media, and vice-versa, and both Jerry and Stephen had plenty to say about the state of the organization as they prepare for the 2023 offseason.

Among the topics discussed were Mike McCarthy taking over play-calling, and Kellen Moore’s surprise departure. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from what the Jones’ told the media Wednesday.

Quick takeaways from Cowboys’ Jerry Jones press conference

3. Cowboys will revisit interest in Odell Beckham Jr.

The Cowboys midseason pursuit of Odell Beckham Jr. was exhausting. It was initially fun seeing Jerry Jones, Dak Prescott, and CeeDee Lamb bang the drum for Dallas to sign Beckham. Ultimately, the Cowboys weren’t encouraged by Beckham’s progression from ACL surgery, and they were unable to reach a deal with the free agent.

Per Jones, Dallas will resume talks with Beckham this offseason. The list of receivers set to hit free agency leave something to be desired. So much so that the three-time Pro Bowler (assuming health) might be the best of the bunch.

We all know the Cowboys need another receiver.

2. Tyron Smith and Jason Peters to return in 2023

The Cowboys have a lot of questions to answer in terms of their offensive line. Connor McGovern and Jason Peters are unrestricted free agents, while Terence Steele is a restricted free agent and recovering from ACL surgery.

Additionally, Tyron Smith is seemingly nearing the end of his career, and missed the first 14 games this year. Smith hasn’t played a full season since 2015, and has played five or fewer games in two of the last three seasons. As a result, there’s been growing speculation that Smith might retire, or the Cowboys could release him to save cap space.

Per Jerry Jones, though, both Smith and the 40-year-old Peters will return in 2023. Whether that means a return to football or the Cowboys (or both) remains to be seen, but it’s pretty significant we already have clarity on their futures.

1. Cowboys are committed to Dak Prescott, open to extension

This is, by far, the biggest takeaway from Jones’ presser.

Per the owner, the Cowboys are committed to Prescott for the long haul, and are even open to extending his contract. That’s absolutely the right call. Dak certainly has his doubters, but Dallas isn’t finding an upgrade on the open market. The best they can do in that regard is draft a prospect in the middle rounds and hope he could eventually supplant Prescott if he continues to regress.

Wouldn’t you know it, Jones also said the Cowboys are committed to drafting a quarterback. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it’s not a bad idea with backup Cooper Rush set to hit free agency in March.

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker feels like an obvious fit given he’s recovering from a torn ALC suffered late in the 2022 season. The Cowboys have drafted several prospects who were coming off major injuries over the years, including linebackers Jaylon Smith (2016) and Damone Clark (2022).

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