Last offseason, the Dallas Cowboys’ front office, specifically owner and GM Jerry Jones, announced that the team was going “all in.” The decisions and signings that followed during free agency painted a completely different picture than what was originally described by Jones.
The Cowboys’ sole free-agent signing during the 2024 offseason was linebacker Eric Kendricks, while they retained talent in the form of long snapper Trent Sieg, cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and C.J. Goodwin, and defensive lineman Carl Davis Jr., to name a few.
The team notably passed on top free-agent running backs such as Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, the NFL’s two leading rushers in 2024. Dallas then went on to finish 27th in total rushing yards (1,705) and 32nd in total rushing touchdowns (six) while also committing the second-most fumbles (12).
Fast-forward through a 7-10 season full of question marks and poor play, and fans have reached their wits’ end.
Cowboys Plan on Being ‘Selectively Aggressive’
In a statement by the team’s Executive Vice President Stephen Jones, he elaborated about the team’s 2025 offseason plans:
“We’re going to look at everything we can. We’re going to be selectively aggressive. There’s things in this league…there’s certain amount of resources they allow you to have. We’ll look at that and try to improve our football team. Not try; we’re going to improve our football team. We expect to have success next year.”
Jones’ quote did little to no good for Cowboys fans, who have been told of the team’s attempt to get better for over a year. As one dejected fan put it, “Always talking the talk, but never walks the walk. Prove us wrong!”
Fans React to Jones’ Latest Comment
In the midst of a 30-year-plus Super Bowl drought, Cowboys fans have made their feelings clear about the front office’s comments and decisions.
One fan commented, “What happened to All In?” and another, “So is selectively aggressive less or more than “All In?” in reference to Jerry Jones’ quote from a year ago.
“Already with the excuses. The Jones boys will sit on their hands another summer.”
After some decoding, this fan translated Jones’ words into what many think is their actual meaning,
Another Cowboys fan provided a theory for the team’s lack of free agency participation.
“They are tanking for Arch Manning…”
Manning, who will be taking over the starting quarterback role for the Texas Longhorns next season, is projected to be a top pick whenever he decides to declare for the NFL Draft. Dallas is certainly not a team afraid of the spotlight, and with another Manning on the sidelines, the lights could not be any brighter.
“Bro I hate that Mavs fans made Nico enemy number one over this guy.”
Even in light of the Dallas Mavericks’ highly controversial decision to trade Luka Dončić, Dallas sports fans still have their eyes primarily on the Cowboys’ front office.
With the full offseason ahead, it remains to be seen if Jerry and Stephen Jones hold true to their comments about improving the team. Until then, Cowboys fans will likely remain skeptical.