Jerry Jones Must Listen to Dak Prescott at Trade Deadline — Here’s Why
The Dallas Cowboys got the win they needed in Indianapolis, but the way the game ended raised a new question. Dallas led by 10 points in the third quarter before the Indianapolis Colts came back and took the lead late. Dallas escaped with a 27-23 win and moved to 4-5 before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
The result matters because Dallas has until Tuesday to decide whether the group needs another player. Dak Prescott does not think it does. The Cowboys quarterback believes the current players can reach the playoffs. However, Prescott still wants the front office to make a move if it improves the team.
Dak Prescott Puts Trade Deadline Choice on Cowboys
Prescott’s view puts Dallas in a hard spot. Dallas has enough talent to stay in the playoff race, but Sunday’s win showed problems that could hurt the Cowboys against stronger teams. The Cowboys gave up 508 yards to the Colts, took 14 penalties for 153 yards, and gave the ball away twice.
Those problems make the trade deadline harder to judge. Dallas isn’t starting over, but the team isn’t playing like a playoff team right now. The deadline also raises a bigger question about whether Jerry Jones will build a true contender or settle for chasing the playoffs.
Dak Prescott Believes Cowboys Can Make Playoffs
Prescott gave a clear answer when asked whether the Cowboys can make the playoffs. He said Jones and the front office should look at the team’s strengths and stay open to an upgrade.
“Yeah, I do (think the Cowboys have enough). Obviously, credit Jerry [Jones], credit the front office and those guys. If you can always add, go do it. Even if you think you have enough, if you can make sure you have enough and get better, go do it. I encourage that.” Prescott said.
Prescott does not believe Dallas must add another player to make the playoffs. However, he does not want Dallas to pass on a move that could make the group stronger.
Dallas has already shown it will make a deal for help. The Cowboys got Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers in October. Dallas sent a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to the Steelers. Dallas could look for help getting after the quarterback before Tuesday.
Dak Prescott Puts Pressure on Cowboys Players
Prescott made it clear that another addition cannot become an excuse for what happens next. Dallas has the offensive players to score points when it avoids mistakes. A closer look at what is true and false about the Cowboys this season shows how much the answer depends on the players already on the team.
“But yeah, they’ve done a hell of a job with the team they put together. It’s on us now. Period.” Prescott said.
If Dallas makes another deal, the players must turn that added talent into wins. If the Cowboys do not make a move, Prescott believes the players they have can reach the postseason.
Dallas plays the San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 10. The 49ers give the Cowboys a tougher test than the Colts did. San Francisco is 6-3 after beating the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17 in Week 9, while Dallas is 4-5.
Dallas then faces the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles. That stretch makes the deadline choice more important because Dallas has no room for another losing run. The Eagles game will matter even more, as shown in this preview and prediction for the Cowboys-Eagles matchup.
The Last Word
Prescott’s message gives Dallas a direct choice before the NFL trade deadline. Dallas does not need to make a deal to show it wants to make the playoffs. Prescott believes the players in Dallas can get there, and Sunday’s win kept the Cowboys alive at 4-5. However, the Colts exposed problems for the Cowboys’ defense that may demand immediate attention.
If Jones finds a player who can fix a weakness without costing too many valuable draft picks, the Cowboys should make the deal. If that player is not there, Prescott’s second message matters more. The players are in place, and they must prove they can turn this season into a playoff run.
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