Cowboys' Jerry Jones: Another Gilmore or Cooks 'Surprise' Planned?

The Dallas Cowboys had a flashy offseason, something that one team beat writer says is new for Jerry Jones' organization. Context, of course, is required here ...

The Dallas Cowboys had one of the NFL's splashiest offseasons, dealing away Ezekiel Elliott, inking a new contract for Tony Pollard and bringing in veteran stars like Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore.

According to DallasCowboys.com beat reporter Hailey Sutton, all of this commotion is something new for owner Jerry Jones' franchise. And we would add some context by calling it "relatively new.''

"The signings were a welcomed surprise to a fan base used to Jerry Jones keeping his cards close to his chest – the Cowboys are notoriously quiet during free agency, so to grab two vets who will make a significant impact was huge for 'America's Team,'" she told 49ers.com. 

Sutton is correct in regard to the way the Dallas front office has generally worked in the last decade. Of course, over the course of the last 34 years, no owner has taken bigger swings with roster moves than Jones with his Cowboys, as Sutton knows.

But ... yes, this is one of the more memorable free agency periods of the Jerry era. And ... yes, it was much needed. They've brought in Gilmore via a cheap trade to bolster the secondary; he'sa an 11-year veteran who made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2021 with the Carolina Panthers.

"And remember when Stephon Gilmore was named the Defensive Player of the Year? He remembers and is excited to play alongside Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland," Sutton said.

Then there's Brandin Cooks, a nine-year veteran who is due for a resurgence in 2023 but had a 1,000-yard receiving year as recently as 2021 with the Houston Texans.

"Brandin Cooks is one of the fastest humans I've ever seen ... He's no scrub either, with six 1,000-plus yard seasons and the potential to take the top off this offense," Sutton said.

Jones has frequently talked with our Mike Fisher about how "Wildcattin' Jerry'' still lives inside of him, and of how he still has the "itch'' to take those big swings. But for now? This offseason featured more fireworks than has recently been the norm. It demonstrates to many that the Cowboys are in win-now mode, and that's included bringing aboard whatever pieces necessary. Of course, if Dallas really wants to convince us further? Do it again, Jerry. Do it again.

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