So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.
With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS
- This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
- We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
- This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
- This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
- We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
- Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
- We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
- We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.
BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT
- There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
- I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
- June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
- Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
- IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
- Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.
FREE AGENCY/TRADES
- Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs – not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
- Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
- Be wide open for trades for anyone.
DRAFT
- As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
- Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
- Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.
The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.
As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.
