Jones optimistic about Cowboys, likes 'what we put together' - ESPN

As the Dallas Cowboys open training camp this week in Oxnard, California, owner and general manager Jerry Jones is confident he has put together a roster good enough to compete for the Super Bowl.

«And if you contend, you've got a real chance of being in the game,» Jones said during a more than 40-minute state of the Cowboys news conference on Tuesday. «I think those are the kinds of things that I don't believe are outlandish or a reach to expect. So, that's a successful season.»

The Cowboys' championship drought is now at 30 years, dating back to Super Bowl XXX in the 1995 season. The Cowboys have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, including a 7-9-1 finish in 2025, Brian Schottenheimer's first as head coach.

But Jones was quick to point out that the competitors in Super Bowl LX in February, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, missed the playoffs in 2024 before making their runs through the NFC and AFC.

«I was really about as encouraged with the two teams in the Super Bowl as far as getting back to a Super Bowl for the Dallas Cowboys as I've ever been,» Jones said.

As positive as Jones feels about the roster entering camp, he said he is not afraid of «giving up the future» to land a big-time player to help the team now. Jones said he had discussions with another owner as recently as Monday about a potential move, but he would not characterize the talks other than to say it was a «very legitimate discussion.»

Jones mentioned a playmaker on defense, like a pass rusher or linebacker.

«Again, a top pick is expendable this year for me to add somebody that meaningfully would pretty obviously help us now,» Jones said, adding, «I'm not just looking for a player. I'm looking for somebody to add to the mix.»

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