Jerry Jones — The (finally) evolving mindset of the Cowboys’ executive leadership

They just signed Offensive Lineman Chuma Edoga. They also have room to re-sign Defensive Tackle Jonathan Hankins and Linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. if they wish.

In a matter of a week, the Cowboys have gone from over the cap to money to burn.

Over that same time period, the Cowboys have gone from perennial divisional-round losers to a team that has a legitimate chance to win it all. And there are still plenty of free agents out there to pursue.

There’s also the 2023 NFL Draft coming up in April.

Even with the trades Dallas is holding one pick in every round. That’s seven more chances to improve the team, even if they don’t sign another free agent.

The Cowboys might be having the best year of any NFL team.

So far.

There’s still an entire season of games and the playoffs to navigate first. And long-time Cowboys fans are painfully aware that if the Cowboys can screw up something good, they usually find a way.

But to be honest, this year has a different feel to it. In the past quarter century, Dallas’ track record has been one of making ill-advised trades.

See: Williams, Roy (Detroit) and Galloway, Joey (Seattle) as examples.

Their usual M.O. has been to stay out of the free agent market, retain their own players, and focus on the draft.

Except some of the draft picks for many years were questionable. With few exceptions, the drafts didn’t pan out that well.

A New Hope

But with a recent run of good drafts, coupled with this off-season‘s moves, suddenly Cowboys’ fans have reason to hope.

And to question: Who are these guys? Where have they been for the last 25 years?

This brings me to my theory. Unless Jerry Jones woke up the morning after the 49ers loss and decided he’d had enough, there is only one explanation.