The Dallas Cowboys are at a critical juncture in the 2025 NFL Draft, and all eyes are on Jerry Jones. With two fifth-round picks (No. 149 and No. 174), Jones has a chance to trade up for a top-120 selection – specifically a fourth-round pick – to bolster a team desperate for a breakthrough. But whether he fails to act or pulls off the deal, the consequences won’t stop at the roster. This is a domino effect that could shake the team’s internal dynamics, shift fan loyalty, and redefine Jones’ legacy as a manager.
If the Cowboys Don’t Act: A Simmering Fire of Tension
Failing to reclaim a fourth-round pick isn’t just a missed opportunity – it could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for a franchise already under fire this offseason. Cowboys fans, known for their passion but also their vocal discontent, have endured a lackluster free agency period and regrettable trades like Trey Lance (now with the LA Chargers) and Jonathan Mingo (still a question mark). If Jones doesn’t leverage those two fifth-round picks to “right the ship,” it could be seen as a sign of stubbornness or indecision – criticisms that have dogged him for years.
Inside the team, tensions could escalate. Coaches and players, eager for pieces to improve the roster, might start questioning the front office’s long-term vision. If trust erodes in the boardroom and locker room, the unity – already fragile after disappointing seasons – could fracture further. Meanwhile, fans won’t sit quietly. X forums are already ablaze with calls for change, and a “stand-pat” decision could turn frustration into a real exodus: slower ticket sales, louder boos in the stands, and unprecedented pressure on Jones.
If the Trade Succeeds: A Spark of Hope Changes the Lens
On the flip side, imagine Jones seals the deal – trading two fifth-round picks to snag No. 120 from the Tennessee Titans, landing a name like RB Damien Martinez or CB Cobee Bryant from PFF’s big board. It’s not just a draft win; it’s a statement. A move like that could quiet the fans’ anger, turning jeers into cheers – at least for now. More importantly, it signals to the team that the front office is willing to act to fix past mistakes, restoring confidence in the locker room and on the sideline.
Even bigger, a successful trade could reshape how people view Jerry Jones’ management skills. Throughout his career, he’s often been pegged as a showman rather than a strategist, with decisions like the Trey Lance trade reinforcing that image. But if Jones turns two small assets (fifth-round picks) into big value (a fourth-round talent), he might force critics to reconsider. This isn’t the Hollywood splash he’s known for, but a smart, calculated play – the kind tied to the “Jimmy Johnson Draft Trade Value Chart” (though actually Mike McCoy’s brainchild). A small victory here could be a stepping stone to rebuilding his credibility, proving he can still run the team with finesse, not just flash or cash.
The Long-Term Domino Effect: Legacy and the Cowboys’ Future
Whatever happens, this decision will ripple far beyond the 2025 Draft. If Jones stands still and the team keeps sliding, he could face unprecedented pressure to cede control – a scenario he’s always dismissed. Conversely, a successful trade doesn’t just bring in new talent; it could set the stage for bolder moves down the line, like roster retooling or targeting big stars in the next offseason. Fans, who’ve long wavered between love and hate for Jones, might finally tip one way or the other depending on how he handles this moment.
In the end, this is a story about a man and a team on the brink. Fail to secure that fourth-round pick, and the Cowboys could spiral into a cycle of discontent and doubt. Pull it off, and they might find a way out – not just for this season, but for Jerry Jones’ legacy. The dominoes are lined up; it’s up to Jones to decide whether to tip the first one.