Jerry Jones pledges aggressive Cowboys spending to end trophy drought
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has vowed to increase spending in free agency as he looks to end the franchise’s 30-year wait for a Super Bowl title.
Admitting failure to the fans
Jones acknowledged he has "let the fans down" following a disappointing 2025 campaign where the team finished with a 7-9-1 record.
Speaking at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, the general manager insisted he is now willing to sacrifice long-term financial stability to secure immediate success.
"I want you to know that the only way to push more [money] out is for me to go borrow some of my future," said Jones.
"Expect me to go borrow some of my future."
The 82-year-old emphasised his desperation to return the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Texas, claiming he would "hitchhike back to Dallas" immediately if it guaranteed a championship.
Restructuring for cap space
To facilitate this spending spree, the organisation must first navigate the NFL’s newly set $301.2m salary cap.
The franchise intends to restructure the lucrative contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb and guard Tyler Smith, a move expected to generate approximately $66m in breathing room.
Further financial flexibility will be sought by adjusting the deals of defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, potentially by adding voidable years to their agreements.
"I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have," Jones confirmed, signalling a shift from the team’s usually conservative market approach.
Fixing a broken defense
The primary objective for the NFC East side is repairing a defensive unit that finished near the bottom of the league standings for yards and points allowed last season.
With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker recently hired, Jones is targeting recruits to shore up the backline while complementing offensive weapons like George Pickens and new running back signing Javonte Williams.
"I think that would be the area that you would see me bust the budget," Jones explained regarding the defense.
"Where you would see me do that is what we’re doing defensively. I intend to do that if given the opportunity."