The Dallas Cowboys are entering Week 8 with a 3-3-1 record, and the reason why is that they have the league’s best offense and the worst defense. When you can average 390.6 yards and 31.7 points per game, you’re going to win some games. Unfortunately, when you give up 401.6 yards and 29.4 points per game, you’re probably going to lose just as many.
That’s why everyone expects the Cowboys to aggressively search for defensive help ahead of the November 4 trade deadline. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was asked about that on Tuesday, and was specifically questioned on his role in internal trade discussions.
Eberflus explained that his role was simple: “Listen to Jerry.” Knowing that’s the mindset internally, there’s no telling what will happen for Dallas ahead of the deadline.
Cowboys in for an unpredictable trade deadline with Jerry Jones running the show
With all the trade speculation and Jerry Jones saying he’s open to any transaction that would help the No. 32 defense in NFL, I asked DC Matt Eberflus his role in those internal conversations.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) October 23, 2025
His response: "Listen to Jerry." pic.twitter.com/My5HP9CdwE
This certainly isn’t a surprise to Cowboys fans, who understand by now that Jones runs the show in Dallas. Understanding that, and how the owner operates, there’s no telling what will happen at the deadline.
Jones may find a way to pull off a massive trade that shocks the NFL, or he may not do anything, leaving the team to navigate having an elite offense and an abysmal defense, and potentially waste the best season of Dak Prescott's career.
However, Jones sounds more willing than ever to make a trade, and there's a general understanding among Cowboys reporters that the team will make at least one deal to improve the defense.
Of course, only time will tell, but what is clear is that Dallas needs to make a move. The offense is playing too good to be held back by an inept defense. If the Cowboys were just a little below average on that side of the ball, they might be undefeated. Instead, Dallas is comfortably the worst defense in the league, and that’s why the team has the record it does.
Jerry Jones needs to work his magic and trade for a few defenders who will help raise the floor of this Cowboys defense. It sounds like he's willing to wheel and deal, but Jones has a history of only pulling the trigger on a trade if the price is absolutely perfect. That philosophy has burned him in the past, and he should not let that get in the way of improving this defense.