The Dallas Cowboys are scrutinized closer than almost any other NFL team, given their broad fanbase and vast wealth. Owner Jerry Jones though continues to upset the Cowboys‘ loyal, long-suffering fans with strange financial decisions that leave many wondering what his game really is.

It has been 10 years since the Cowboys signed an outside free agent to a deal with at least $10 million per season; Jones has hinted that he is more interested in drafting and developing than signing big-ticket free agents, but Dallas has holes up and down the roster after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024.

Can Cowboys combat the perception that they “don’t care”?

After restructuring the contracts of offensive stars CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have opened up $49 million in cap space to address these holes in its roster — which include the offensive line, the running back position, and everywhere on defense.

Dallas’ acquisition of former Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn fills a need, but one that is backdated several years. The Cowboys’ approach of bargain-hunting in free agency to supplement in-house stars would be prudent if Dallas didn’t have such a depleted roster to start with.

Trades for cornerback Kaiir Elam and linebacker Kenneth Murray could help Dallas’ 31st-ranked defense rise up the rankings under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. But barring a splash at the 2025 NFL Draft, or a blockbuster trade that can bring back copious assets for someone like Micah Parsons, the Cowboys are simply spinning their wheels — and analysts are dumbfounded at how little Jones seems to “care“.