The Dallas Cowboys, often dubbed “America’s Team,” find themselves in a bit of a paradox. While the franchise boasts rich history and three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, recent years have seen them fall from grace, struggling to even sniff a return to the NFC Championship Game since 1995. In this intricate saga, owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones bears a significant portion of the blame.
Jones has become something of a polarizing figure, often making headlines for all the wrong reasons, whether it’s a verbal misstep in front of the media or a trade that raises eyebrows across the league. His track record during drafts has often left fans questioning his decision-making. It seems the Cowboys have cycled through a series of misfortunes and questionable choices that have led to an undeniable decline of what was once an iconic franchise.
As the team scrambles to regain its footing amid a wave of underwhelming seasons, it may be high time for Jerry Jones to consider handing off the reins. His latest move—a trade for quarterback Joe Milton—has stirred the pot once more. The Cowboys parted ways with a seventh-round draft pick to acquire Milton, who will now step in as Dak Prescott’s backup after the departures of Trey Lance and Cooper Rush.
On the surface, this trade might not be catastrophic, but it does leave fans scratching their heads. Milton has shown a glimmer of promise in a singular NFL game, but his collegiate career was riddled with inconsistencies, raising doubts about his ability to translate that potential into success at the professional level. For a team that has glaring needs across the board, investing in a developmental quarterback—especially one who hasn’t yet proven he can shine in the big league—seems perplexing, if not a bit reckless.
Thus far, Jones has faced criticism for a litany of decisions that have perhaps stalled the Cowboys’ resurgence. Here’s a snapshot of some of the more controversial moves that have characterized his recent tenure:
- The acquisition of quarterback Joe Milton (2025)
- Disparaging comments regarding star linebacker Micah Parsons’ agent during contract negotiations for a historic extension (2025)
- Trading a fourth-round pick for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (2024)
- A lackadaisical approach to CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation, stating “I don’t have any urgency to get it done” during Lamb’s holdout (2024)
- Trading a fourth-round pick for quarterback Trey Lance (2023)
- Committing to a six-year, $90 million contract for running back Ezekiel Elliott (2019)
- Controversial trades involving Amari Cooper (2018 and 2022)
- The first-round draft selection of Taco Charlton (2017)
These moves are just the tip of the iceberg in a series of decisions that many believe have hampered the franchise’s pursuit of success in the ever-competitive NFL landscape. It’s clear that while Jerry Jones has carved a niche as a successful businessman, the complexities of managing a football team might be beyond his current capabilities. As the Dallas Cowboys seek to reclaim their once-dominant status, perhaps it’s time for a new direction—one that might finally break the cycle of disappointment and infuse the franchise with fresh energy and vision.
