Jerry Jones teases major roster move that Cowboys fans have begged for

The Dallas Cowboys hit a home run in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the main criticism once the event concluded was that they didn't take a running back. It would have been nice to have a fourth-round pick, but the board didn't fall kindly to them on day two and three.

After striking out, the Cowboys moved quickly to sign Ezekiel Elliott, who passed his Monday physical and is officially a member of the team. It's not a needle-moving pickup by any stretch of the imagination, but there is little downside to Elliott rejoining the club.

Jerry Jones got his wish, but this roster still needs some work. Dallas likely isn't done adding to its running back room, but wide receiver, linebacker and defensive tackle are all positions that have room for improvement.

As it turns out, Jones might be looking to upgrade the defensive trenches. Jon Machota of The Athletic reported post-draft that a trade could be the path the Cowboys choose to upgrade the defensive trenches.

Cowboys' Jerry Jones is tempted to trade for a defensive tackle

"The Cowboys used a seventh-round pick on Auburn defensive tackle Justin Rogers, but at least one more veteran is needed to replace the loss of Johnathan Hankins. They acquired Hankins during the 2022 season via trade. That very well could be the way they get help again this year."

- Jon Machota, The Athletic

Not only does Machota think a trade could be of interest to Dallas, but Patrik Walker of the team's official website is of the same mindset. In replying to a fan on social media, Walker noted that the Cowboys are looking to "ramp up" and he named DT as a position they'll peruse for depth.

“Stephen, I’m not holding you to this, but we can probably trade with another club pretty much for the next six or seven months, can’t we?" Jerry Jones asked Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones during the press conference, via Machota.

The Hankins trade paid big dividends for the Cowboys. He wasn't a world-beater, but he was a sizable upgrade to what they previously trotted out at nose tackle. 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith is expected to take a leap in year two under Mike Zimmer and seventh-round pick Justin Rogers could push to make the 53-man roster, but this roster is starved for a proven nose tackle.

It has always seemed like Dallas would be more active post-draft than free agency upgrading the roster. Mike McCarthy said at the league meetings that the team would be involved in the post-June 1 release market.

The trades for Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks occurred last March, but there are always veterans that can be had for a day three draft pick.

Time will tell if Jerry Jones puts his money where his mouth is, but the fact two of the most reliable reporters on the Cowboys beat think a move for a DT is in the works makes us believe there's smoke behind Jones' remarks.

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