Are we all the way back or what?
It's unfair to say the Dallas Cowboys' introductory press conference from Oxnard went off the rails. However, it took an unexpected turn when Jerry Jones revealed the Cowboys never lost interest in a Maxx Crosby trade, saying, "We did not walk away."
What prompted that conversation, though, was Jones making it clear as day that he's willing to trade for an impact player.
“Candidly, I’d be very interested to give up future to add substantive to where we are today,” Jones said. “Would I invest something substantive to get the right kind of deal to improve us opening day? I would. I feel that good about this team this year.”
That led to an even bigger revelation than the Crosby nugget.
“Yesterday, I talked about a situation with another team, another owner," Jones affirmed. Yesterday."
Per Jerry Jones, the Cowboys are actively engaged in trade talks
Understandably, that reveal got overshadowed by the Crosby clarification. But make no mistake: it's absolutely the bigger story.
That's not to say that a big trade is on the horizon. Jones followed up, saying he "wouldn't classify" the talks as positive and "wouldn't give it a direction. Regardless, though, it is apparent that the Cowboys are contemplating making a big move, presumably on defense.
Jones did not unveil the team and player (s) involved. It's easy, however, to connect the dots back to Crosby, given how heavily the Cowboys pursued him back in March. Dallas reportedly offered the Raiders a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and additional compensation.
That's a competitive offer, but they were outbid by the Ravens, who agreed to send two first-rounders to Las Vegas before backing out of the trade after Crosby failed a physical. The Pro Bowler's market proceeded to cool, and nothing materialized between Dallas and Vegas.
Without confirmation from Jones or concrete reporting, there's no way to know if the Cowboys' trade discussions on Monday were with the Raiders. It's also unclear if Crosby is still open to leaving Las Vegas.
Cowboys have more trade options than just Maxx Crosby
What we do know, though, is that Buccaneers star defensive tackle Vita Vea requested a trade on Monday. The obvious hang-up there is that Dallas already has a lot invested in the position by way of Quinnen Williams, who's making $23 million per year, and Kenny Clark, whose $11 million roster bonus got turned into a signing bonus so the team can spread out his cap hit to future years.
Vea is a game-wrecker, but he's 31 years old and seeking a new contract. The Eagles' decision to give Jalen Carter $38 million per year and $106 million guaranteed certainly won't make those negotiations any cheaper.
It's fun to imagine Williams, Clark, and Vea sharing the same defensive line, but would that be the best use of the Cowboys' resources? Probably not. This roster has more pressing needs, particularly another pass rusher. Another linebacker wouldn't hurt, either, though the front office appears content with its current group -- for now.
Odds are, Dallas would be more willing to trade for an EDGE. Crosby is one option, but Cardinals standout Josh Sweat was the subject of trade speculation not too long ago. He overlapped with Christian Parker in Philadelphia. Might he be on Jones' radar?
Whoever it is, the Cowboys are clearly open for business. What a way to usher in the start of training camp.
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