In a few years down the line, we might remember Jerry Jones and the Cowboys for the JJ-led chaos. More like the JJ Circus. The man who once promised to do “whatever it takes” to win another ring seems more focused on doing the absolute minimum. It’s the same ol’. As if Jonesy hits play on a broken tape recorder and the Big D has to go through it all over again.
The Cowboys have now made their fourth notable roster decision of the offseason—re-signing safety Markquese Bell to a three-year deal worth up to $12 million. Not exactly a move that shakes up the NFC, but hey, at least it’s something, right? After all, this is the same front office that spent less money on free agents last year than any other team.
The same front office that just told fans, yet again, that free agency isn’t where they plan to “fill voids.” So, in case you were hoping for a splash signing—don’t. It’s Jerry’s world, and Cowboys fans are just suffering through it.
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Before Bell’s deal, the Cowboys made three other key offseason moves—locking up defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (for an unnecessarily expensive deal) on a four-year contract, keeping special teams ace C.J. Goodwin around for another year, and extending offensive lineman Brock Hoffman.
Notice a pattern? That’s right. It’s all about shuffling/re-shuffling withing the organization, not adding new firepower. Meanwhile, teams like the Eagles and 49ers are out here making actual improvements.
And if you think that’s frustrating, just listen to Jerry. When asked about free agency, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager said, “I don’t think aggressive is the right word. … I’m not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids.” Yikes!
Now, why would a team that couldn’t even make it to the playoffs refuse to be aggressive? Good question. But Jerry and the Cowboys continue to treat the draft like it’s the only tool in the toolbox. To be fair, Bell’s deal makes sense. The 25-year-old safety was a bright spot in an otherwise shaky defense last season. Keeping him without letting him test the open market? Smart.
But let’s not pretend this is some franchise-altering move. The Cowboys had the option to place a restricted free agent tender on him and see if any team wanted to throw him a bag.
At this point, Cowboys fans have two choices: Believe Jerry has a master plan that will all make sense later. Or accept that this franchise is once again stuck in neutral. Either way, the rest of the league isn’t waiting around.
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