More Cowboys 'Final Pieces'? Jerry Hints at Cut-Down Trades

Fans and critics of the Dallas Cowboys have spent the better part of the offseason bemoaning the team's lack of activity in revamping its roster. Jerry Jones promised an "all in" attitude toward the 2024 campaign after the fallout of another postseason disappointment, though he and the franchise delivered a futile effort on that front.

But the gripes of talent acquisition settled a bit last week when the team strengthened its defensive line with two moves in a short window. Dallas acquired Jordan Phillips from the New York Giants and signed free agent Carl Lawson.

Both players could have the tools to contribute immediately on a defensive front that needed some help heading into this season. Neither player was a coveted asset around the league, so it remains uncertain why the Cowboys waited this long to move forward on beefing this part of their roster.

Perhaps the activity stems from an inspiration on part of the Cowboys' owner, who teased more activity before the end of training camp.

‘Sometimes in the interior (defensive) line, you get a chance to do some things with other clubs right at the end of training camp, in that area," Jones said on local radio station 105.3 The Fan before Saturday's preseason game. What you’re seeing right now is important. It’s important to see these guys take reps. But tonight won’t be the final pieces to the puzzle.'”

"Final pieces''? Could that just be Jerry stirring the pot? Absolutely. But where would those efforts be focused?

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Dallas might seek more depth somewhere on the defense. The recent trade for Andrew Booth, the handful of defensive signings a few weeks ago and last week's more notable moves suggest defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer could be tinkering with this group to his liking before the season.

As we wrote late Wednesday afternoon: "Our Mike Fisher has reported that Dallas contacted defensive tackle Linval Joseph before the trade for Jordan Phillips. Joseph is a "Zimmer guy''; could the Cowboys go back to that well?''

Yes, indeed, Dallas did exactly that at dinner time. How about another move?

Related: Cowboys BREAKING: 'Better Call Linval!' DT Joseph Signs with Dallas, Mike Zimmer

It is possible they explore more options at running back. No player has stood out through camp or in two preseason games. It appears Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle are squared away in those roles but the Cowboys may explore last-minute options if any offer value to this offense. ... with some of the "same old'' names like Dalvin Cook often mentioned by the media.

With one preseason game to go and roughly three weeks from the start of the regular season, those mystery contributors remain unknown. But last week showed the Cowboys could still be evaluating outside this group for assets to utilize through the upcoming campaign.