It's hard to have many qualms with how the Dallas Cowboys attacked this offseason. Were they as aggressive in free agency as they needed to be?
Not exactly -- or else Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, or Devin Lloyd would be on the roster -- but they handed out their biggest contract in years to safety Jalen Thompson and traded for Rashan Gary on the heels of acquiring all-world defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the 2025 trade deadline.
It's hardly been a flawless offseason, and some of the biggest pushback from Cowboys fans came after Troy Aikman was hired by the Miami Dolphins as a consultant for their head-coaching and general-manager searches.
During an appearance on DLLS Cowboys, Michael Irvin was asked about the Cowboys never utilizing Aikman in that kind of role. As you'd expect, he can't wrap his mind around it.
"...It pains me to see that happening because I know Troy wanted to do that. Troy wanted a John Elway situation here in Dallas, and I know he wanted it. Certainly, he’s earned it, but it’s not going to happen, and I rest my mind to that reality…”
We co-sign every word.
Michael Irvin can't believe the Dallas Cowboys never hired Troy Aikman
Irvin acknowledged that Jerry Jones would never hand over the franchise like the Denver Broncos did for former quarterback John Elway, who spent a decade in Denver's front office, including eight as general manager and executive vice president of football operations.
Elway eventually conceded day-to-day operations in 2021, with George Paton taking over as GM, but he remained in a consultant capacity until his contract expired in April of 2023.
Whether it's because of his ego or stubbornness (maybe a combination of the two), Jones has never seemed willing to bring Aikman into the fold in any capacity.
When you consider the Hall of Famer's football acumen and connections league-wide, it helps explain why Dallas hasn't been back to the NFC Championship Game since Aikman was quarterbacking the team. How can a team that has a 30-year Super Bowl drought not utilize Aikman as a resource?
Between his Hall of Fame playing career and more than 20 years in broadcasting, Aikman has rare access to coaches, players, and organizational philosophies throughout the NFL. That kind of perspective is difficult to match, which is exactly why Irvin feels Dallas is missing an opportunity.
Unfortunately, a change of heart isn't likely.
The Cowboys have been a family-run operation since Jerry Jones purchased the franchise. His son, Stephen Jones, is co-owner and the chief operating officer, while his daughter, Charlotte Anderson, serves as executive VP and chief brand officer. Even Jerry Jones Jr. is involved as chief sales and marketing officer, per the team website.
The Joneses lean heavily on vice president of player personnel Will McClay and value the input of their coaching staff, but the circle of trust doesn’t extend much further than that.
Perhaps if Aikman restores credibility to the Dolphins, Jerry would reconsider. But Cowboys fans shouldn't hold their breath.
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