The pressure is mounting in Dallas. With another season fast approaching, the spotlight will be on the team’s new acquisitions, their performance on the field, and the choices made by the front office
If the Cowboys stumble early or fail to make a deep playoff run, Cowherd’s criticism could evolve from commentary into consensus.
For now, all eyes are on Jerry Jones and his latest gambles — and whether or not they’ll pay off in 2025.
From limited offseason work to the intensity of training camp, every rep, throw, and drill will be closely scrutinized.
The Cowboys are betting big on Prescott’s return. Whether that bet pays off could determine not just their playoff fate, but the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Cowherd’s harsh critique reflects a broader concern among NFL fans and analysts — the sense that the Cowboys’ leadership, while bold and headline-grabbing, lacks the precision and discipline needed to build a Super Bowl-winning team in the modern NFL.
Until Dallas adopts a more calculated, value-driven approach to roster building, Cowherd and others will continue to question every questionable trade and draft decision.
As it stands, the Cowboys have mortgaged draft value on two players — Joe Milton and Jonathan Mingo — who are unlikely to provide immediate or long-term returns. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but if history is any guide, the odds aren’t in their favor.
Also Read: Boise State Star RB Reveals Dream to Join Jerry Jones’ Legendary Dallas Cowboys and Scholarship
Table of Contents
Jerry Jones: Colin Cowherd Slams Cowboys’ Offseason Moves
NFL analyst Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back on his criticism of the Dallas Cowboys’ front office during a recent episode of his show The Herd.1
In particular, Cowherd targeted the team’s recent trade with the New England Patriots, where they gave up a fifth-round draft pick in 2024 to acquire quarterback Joe Milton III and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
To Cowherd, the move represents a troubling pattern of poor decision-making that has plagued the Cowboys for years.
Let’s dive into Cowherd’s main points and break down why he believes the Cowboys are trending in the wrong direction.
Trading Draft Value for Question Marks
One of Cowherd’s biggest complaints centered around the Cowboys’ decision to give up valuable mid-round draft picks in exchange for players with little to no proven NFL success.
Joe Milton III, while a strong-armed quarterback with athletic traits, was a project at best coming out of Tennessee.
The Cowboys acquiring him as a backup behind Dak Prescott does little to inspire confidence about the team’s quarterback depth.
“Jerry Jones gave up a fifth-rounder for Joe Milton, who’s a clear backup,” Cowherd emphasized on The Herd. “He’s not a starter. He may never even play a snap.”
Cowherd’s point is valid when considering how many impactful NFL players come from the fifth round or later.
Players like George Kittle, Richard Sherman, and Aaron Jones were all drafted in the fifth round and have gone on to become Pro Bowl talents
Giving up that kind of value for a backup quarterback who may never contribute seems like poor asset management.
Jerry Jones: The Mingo Trade
Another Head-Scratching Move
The Joe Milton trade wasn’t the only decision under scrutiny. Cowherd also referenced the Cowboys’ trade last season for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.2
Dallas traded away a 2025 fifth-round pick to acquire Mingo and a seventh-rounder from the Carolina Panthers. While Mingo showed flashes in college, his transition to the NFL has been rocky.
In eight games with the Cowboys, Mingo recorded just 46 receiving yards. That’s hardly the kind of production that justifies giving up a mid-round draft pick.
As Cowherd pointed out, “You can’t just give out fourth and fifth round picks for receivers who are not only backups — they’re borderline non-NFL players.”
The issue, Cowherd implies, isn’t just about individual trades — it’s about a pattern of overpaying for underwhelming talent.
The Tyron Smith press conference is live now: http://bit.ly/m0FScO
— Jerry Jones (@realjerryjones) April 29, 2011
A History of Draft Inefficiency Under Jerry Jones
Cowherd didn’t stop at critiquing recent moves — he went even further, calling out the Cowboys’ long-standing front office culture under Jerry Jones.
The franchise, which hasn’t reached a Super Bowl since the 1995 season, has often been accused of mismanaging its draft capital and failing to build sustainable success.
“Jerry Jones was threatened by Bill Parcells and Jimmy Johnson,” Cowherd said. “They’ve only had really one star first-round quarterback since Jerry’s been there — and that’s Troy Aikman.”
While Jones has certainly had some draft hits over the years — including stars like Micah Parsons and Zack Martin — critics argue that those successes are too few and far between to justify the misfires.
More importantly, the overarching strategy often feels reactionary rather than calculated, something Cowherd repeatedly touched on in his segment.
Jerry Jones: Quarterback Room
Solid Starter, Questionable Backup
With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the Cowboys’ starter, Joe Milton III arrives in Dallas with virtually no pressure to perform immediately.3
However, the decision to use valuable draft capital on a backup quarterback with no guarantee of success raises questions.
Prescott is coming off another strong statistical season, but questions remain about his postseason performance and long-term future in Dallas.
If the Cowboys truly saw Milton as a future starter, the trade might be easier to justify. But according to Cowherd, the front office’s logic simply doesn’t hold up.
“If you’re giving up picks for a QB, make it someone who’s going to push the starter or become the starter. Not someone who may never touch the field,” Cowherd argued.
Mid-Round Picks: The NFL’s Hidden Gems
Cowherd’s strongest argument lies in the value of fifth-round picks. In a league driven by salary caps and roster limits, mid-to-late round selections can be the difference between a playoff team and a championship contender.
NFL rosters are loaded with talent drafted on Day 3. The best general managers understand the value of these picks and treat them like gold.
For a team like Dallas — one that is often on the cusp of postseason relevance — every draft pick matters.
By continually giving away fifth-rounders for backup-level players, Cowherd suggests the Cowboys are effectively sabotaging their own future.
Perception vs. Reality in Dallas
The Cowboys are often seen as one of the NFL’s premier franchises due to their massive fanbase and historical success.
But in recent years, that perception has increasingly clashed with reality. Dallas has consistently underperformed in the postseason and rarely looks like a true Super Bowl threat despite having top-end talent on the roster.
Cowherd believes this disconnect is a direct result of front office missteps.
“The Cowboys act like a team that’s always one piece away,” he said. “But they keep overpaying for the wrong pieces.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many analysts who have grown frustrated with Dallas’ inconsistent team-building philosophy.
While other teams like the Chiefs, 49ers, and Bengals continue to develop talent through smart drafting and trades, the Cowboys seem to be stuck in a loop of mediocrity.
Could This Offseason Come Back to Haunt Them?
The NFL is a league of narrow margins. One or two poor offseason decisions can spell the difference between playoff glory and disappointment.
If Joe Milton never sees the field and Mingo continues to underperform, the Cowboys will have effectively wasted two mid-round picks that could have gone toward bolstering their depth.
With the NFC only getting more competitive, these missteps could have real consequences.
The Eagles, Lions, and 49ers are all building smart and playing at a high level. The Cowboys can’t afford to fall behind because of poor front office decisions.
Also Read: Giants’ 2007 Miracle: Tom Coughlin Explains Jerry Jones’ Key Role in Their Victory, Sponshorship
Jerry Jones Gives Key Update on Dak Prescott’s Recovery
Dallas Cowboys fans have been holding their breath ever since star quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending injury in Week 9 last year.
The injury not only dashed the Cowboys’ playoff hopes but also sparked a wave of uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback position.
On Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the media, offering a promising update on Prescott’s recovery while hinting at the franchise’s cautious optimism for the 2025 NFL season.
Dak Prescott’s Season-Ending Injury in Week 9
In the heart of the 2024 season, during a pivotal Week 9 matchup, Dak Prescott suffered a significant injury that ultimately ended his campaign.
While the team has kept the exact nature of the injury relatively under wraps, it was severe enough to keep him out for the rest of the year.
At the time, the Cowboys were still in playoff contention, but the loss of their starting quarterback sent the season spiraling.
Prescott, a cornerstone of the franchise, has dealt with injuries in the past, but each time he’s returned stronger.
Still, this latest setback raised questions about his long-term durability and whether the Cowboys should begin planning for a future without him as their primary signal-caller.
Jerry Jones’ Optimistic Yet Cautious Approach
Speaking to reporters during an offseason availability, Jerry Jones provided a cautiously optimistic update on Prescott’s condition.
Jones emphasized that the team is being “smart” about the quarterback’s recovery and not rushing him back prematurely.
While he didn’t specify an exact timeline for full participation, his tone indicated confidence in a timely return.
“I don’t know the definition of what full participation might mean,” Jones said. “Everybody will be smart about it. For me, he’s every bit under the circumstances, on schedule to get ready in a very prudent way for us to have the year we want to have. I think he’s getting ready to go.”
Jones further clarified that while Prescott may not be involved in every aspect of offseason training, the team expects him to be present and active enough to ensure readiness for the 2025 campaign.
Limited Offseason Participation, but Full Expectations
Prescott’s involvement in offseason activities will be measured and limited, according to Jones.
The goal is to minimize the risk of re-injury while ramping up his conditioning and football activities at a comfortable pace.
“He should be there timely, be able to execute individually and in team and what is required for a lot of spring,” Jones noted. “He should be able to do things within reason as far as risk is concerned in training camp.”
This strategy aligns with modern injury recovery protocols that focus on gradual reintegration into full-speed action.
With training camp months away, there’s still plenty of time for Prescott to build strength and regain rhythm.
Why the Cowboys Took a Chance on Joe Milton III
One of the more intriguing storylines this offseason was the Cowboys’ decision to invest in rookie quarterback Joe Milton III.
Known for his rocket arm and raw athleticism, Milton was a standout at Tennessee but comes into the NFL as a developmental project. His selection wasn’t just about adding depth — it was a signal that Dallas is preparing for every scenario.
Given Prescott’s uncertain recovery timeline and the departure of Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $6.2 million deal, the Cowboys needed a plan B. Milton brings upside, and under the guidance of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, he could grow into a reliable backup or even push for future starting consideration.
View this post on Instagram
Cooper Rush’s Departure Leaves a Void
Cooper Rush, who admirably stepped in for Prescott last season, has moved on to join the Ravens. His departure leaves a leadership and experience gap in the quarterback room.
Rush may not have been flashy, but his steady hand and deep knowledge of the Cowboys’ system made him a valuable asset, especially during uncertain times.
Now, the quarterback room will consist of Prescott, Milton, and potentially a veteran addition if the Cowboys opt to bring in more experience. The lack of an established backup puts even more pressure on ensuring Prescott’s recovery stays on track.
A New Era Begins Under Brian Schottenheimer
After a disappointing 7-10 season, the Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, ending his five-year tenure.
In a bold move, they promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, signaling a desire for continuity on offense while also injecting new energy into the locker room.
Schottenheimer has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and maximizing offensive talent. His familiarity with Prescott and the system could play a crucial role in easing the quarterback back into form.
Under his leadership, the Cowboys are hoping to finally break their long-standing Super Bowl drought — they haven’t lifted the Lombardi Trophy since their Super Bowl XXX victory.
Also Read: Jerry Jones (Business Innovator): Bio, Wiki, Career, Legacy, Family And More Explained
