Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys’ Draft Plans: The Pursuit of a New Quarterback

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, are a team that always attracts attention, not only due to their on-field performances but also because of the people behind the scenes—particularly their owner and general manager, Jerry Jones. Jones, who has been at the helm of the Cowboys since 1989, is known for his bold decisions, whether it’s making high-profile trades, signing big-name players, or pivoting drastically when things don’t go as planned.

The recent rumors surrounding the Cowboys’ interest in acquiring a new quarterback have created a ripple of speculation in the NFL community. This news has led many to question how it will affect the team’s draft strategy moving forward. The potential shift in the Cowboys’ approach could have significant implications not only for the team’s immediate future but also for the long-term vision that Jones has for his franchise. To understand how Jerry Jones’ pursuit of a new quarterback might influence the Cowboys’ draft plans, it’s essential to look at the current quarterback situation, the draft landscape, and the broader context surrounding Jones’ decision-making process.

The Quarterback Situation in Dallas

As of now, Dak Prescott is the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, a position he’s held since being drafted in 2016. Prescott has had a fairly successful career, leading the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances and earning recognition as one of the more talented quarterbacks in the league. However, there has always been a level of uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the Cowboys, particularly after the team’s early exits from the playoffs in recent years.

In the 2023 season, Prescott’s performance was once again a focal point. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled with consistency and, at times, turnovers. This inconsistency, coupled with the Cowboys’ inability to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs, has sparked debates about whether the team should look to move in a different direction at quarterback. The notion of pursuing a new quarterback, whether via trade or through the draft, has become more than just a rumor—it has become a legitimate possibility.

This brings us to Jerry Jones, who has never been one to shy away from making big decisions. The idea that Jones might pursue a new quarterback could be seen as a move to push the team to the next level, as the Cowboys have often been criticized for not having an elite quarterback capable of leading them to a Super Bowl. Despite Prescott’s impressive numbers, Jones may feel that a change at the position could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential.

Jones’ Track Record of Bold Moves

Jerry Jones is known for making bold and sometimes controversial decisions. He’s never been afraid to make a move if he believes it will put the Cowboys in a better position to win. One of his most famous decisions came in 1989 when he purchased the Cowboys and hired Jimmy Johnson as head coach. Together, they built the foundation of a dynasty, winning three Super Bowls in the 1990s.

Jones’ aggressive approach has continued throughout his tenure as owner. He has made significant trades, such as the acquisition of wide receiver Amari Cooper in 2018 and cornerback Stephon Gilmore in 2023. He’s also been willing to pay top dollar to acquire talent, whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. However, when it comes to the quarterback position, Jones has been hesitant to pull the trigger on a move, despite occasional rumors.

The closest Jones came to acquiring a new quarterback was when he signed Tony Romo as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Romo would go on to become the face of the Cowboys for over a decade, but he never won a Super Bowl, which led to criticism of Jones for sticking with him too long. After Romo’s retirement, Jones pinned his hopes on Dak Prescott, who had an outstanding rookie season in 2016. However, Prescott’s inability to lead the team past the NFC Championship game has led to renewed discussions about finding a quarterback who can take the Cowboys back to the promised land.

Jones is known for being loyal to his players, but at the same time, he’s not afraid to make difficult decisions. His pursuit of a new quarterback would be consistent with his history of being proactive in an effort to secure the best talent available.

The Draft Landscape

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing in recent memory, particularly when it comes to the quarterback position. While Dak Prescott is still under contract with the Cowboys, Jones is reportedly eyeing a potential quarterback of the future. The draft is expected to feature a deep class of quarterbacks, with several highly touted prospects who could step in and make an immediate impact.

One of the most talked-about quarterbacks is Caleb Williams, the star signal-caller from USC who has drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in recent history. Williams’ incredible arm strength, mobility, and poise in the pocket have made him a consensus top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Jerry Jones is serious about acquiring a new quarterback, Williams could be at the top of his list.

Another quarterback who could be on the Cowboys’ radar is Drake Maye from North Carolina. Maye is another highly skilled prospect with great size, arm talent, and football IQ. He’s been rising up draft boards and could potentially fit well into the Cowboys’ system. Maye’s blend of athleticism and strong decision-making makes him a viable candidate for a team like the Cowboys, who are looking for a quarterback who can succeed immediately but also develop for the future.

There are also other quarterbacks who might fit the Cowboys’ needs, such as Bo Nix from Oregon, J.J. McCarthy from Michigan, and Quinn Ewers from Texas. The depth at the quarterback position in the 2025 draft will likely give the Cowboys multiple options to consider, depending on where they pick and how the board falls.

The question is, where will the Cowboys fall in the draft order? If they remain in a playoff contention window with Prescott under center, it may be difficult for them to land one of the top quarterbacks in the class. Jones may need to make a trade to move up in the draft, which is something he’s done in the past. The Cowboys’ draft strategy could shift dramatically if they are in a position to select one of the top quarterbacks, which would mark a significant change in the direction of the team.

How Pursuing a Quarterback Could Affect the Cowboys’ Draft Strategy

If Jerry Jones does indeed decide to pursue a new quarterback, the team’s draft strategy will likely undergo a significant transformation. In previous years, the Cowboys have focused on strengthening their roster in other areas, such as the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary. However, the search for a new quarterback could change their priorities.

1. Trade Up in the Draft: If the Cowboys decide that a quarterback like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is worth the investment, Jerry Jones may be willing to trade up in the draft to secure one of these highly coveted prospects. Moving up in the draft would require giving up some valuable assets, possibly including future draft picks, current players, or both. This would be a risky move, as it would require the Cowboys to part with resources in order to land a player who may or may not pan out. However, Jones has never been one to shy away from making bold decisions, and acquiring a franchise quarterback could be worth the price.
2. Focusing on Supporting Pieces: If the Cowboys are not in a position to draft one of the top quarterbacks, they may opt to focus on acquiring supporting pieces to help Dak Prescott, such as wide receivers, running backs, or offensive linemen. In this scenario, the team might look to add depth and talent to their roster with the goal of giving Prescott one final opportunity to prove himself as the team’s long-term solution at quarterback.
3. Trading for a Quarterback: If Jones is convinced that a rookie quarterback isn’t the solution, he could also pursue a trade for an established quarterback in the league. The Cowboys have been linked to quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Deshaun Watson in past seasons, and it’s possible that Jones could explore similar options in 2025 if he feels that Prescott’s time has passed.
4. Building for the Future: In a scenario where the Cowboys are unable to land a top quarterback in the draft or via trade, they could also look to build for the future by selecting a quarterback later in the draft. This would allow them to continue competing with Prescott under center while simultaneously developing a young quarterback for the future. This approach would be less risky but would also delay the Cowboys’ efforts to find a true franchise quarterback.

The rumors surrounding Jerry Jones’ pursuit of a new quarterback have sent shockwaves through the NFL and could significantly alter the Dallas Cowboys’ draft plans for the 2025 season. Whether the team decides to trade up to select one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, make a trade for an established star, or continue to build around Dak Prescott, Jones’ decision will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on the franchise.

Jones is known for making bold moves, and if he truly believes that a change at quarterback is necessary to bring the Cowboys back to Super Bowl contention, he is likely to act decisively. The 2025 NFL Draft will be a critical moment for the Cowboys, as they look to shape the future of their quarterback position and determine the course of their franchise for years to come. Only time will tell if Jerry Jones will stick with Dak Prescott or make the bold decision to pursue a new quarterback, but one thing is certain: the Cowboys’ draft intentions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.