After decades at the helm, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has become fairly predictable.
Of course, he still throws out an unexpected quote a few times each offseason, but fans can set their clocks to a few of his most consistent roster-building strategies. His interest in former first-round draft picks may be the most prominent recurring theme he's shown in recent years.
After the Chicago Bears released offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., Jones has another chance to sign a first-round selection, and a top-ten pick at that.
The Cowboys have a capable offensive tackle duo in place, but their backups at the position aren't exactly rock-solid, even after trading for Broderick Jones. It wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see Dallas show interest in Wills, but this is a trap they'd be better off avoiding.
Cowboys should proceed with caution after Bears' Jedrick Wills Jr. release
Wills was picked by the Cleveland Browns at No. 10 overall back in 2020. He has 57 starts under his belt, holding onto a role as the Browns' starting left tackle from the moment he was drafted.
Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short by an MCL injury in his right knee. After a corrective procedure, he missed the entire 2025 season with the same issue.
Cleveland let him walk this offseason, and he was quickly signed by the Bears, who had a need at left tackle. He lost the battle for the starting job, though, and fell far enough in the pecking order to miss out on a roster spot.
Wills will likely find a new home within the week. Experienced offensive tackles are hard to come by, and teams get desperate when Week 1 comes into view. But the Cowboys don't need to be the team to bite.
It's been about 22 months since the offensive tackle played in the regular season. Even if he is fully recovered from a physical standpoint, he may not be the player that he was before he got hurt.
In limited preseason action with the Bears, Wills allowed two pressures and a sack, and he didn't seem to be able to move defenders in the run game like he once did.
The thought of adding another first-round tackle to the roster has to be enticing for the Cowboys, but they're better off letting Wills pass them by. Broderick Jones can man the swing tackle spot. There's no need to take a risk on a player almost two years removed from his last regular-season appearance.
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