Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has once again stated the team is “open for business” as the NFL trade deadline approaches, indicating a clear preference to act as a buyer rather than a seller. These remarks come as speculation intensifies around the Cowboys' potential acquisition of Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat.
Jones reiterated his stance this week, saying he could “see being active at the trade deadline if it was something that could help the team this year.” When asked if the team would consider being a seller, Jones quickly responded with a definitive “No,” though he did add a caveat that he would only consider selling for a “Micah Parsons-like offer.” Despite the team’s current 2-4 record, Jones maintains his belief in what the Cowboys can achieve this season, noting the inherent value in securing a playoff berth.
Reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler have reignited the trade rumors connecting Sweat to Dallas. Fowler wrote that “The Cowboys might have one more move in them,” adding that a team executive pointed out that “Josh Sweat to Dallas makes a lot of sense” given his fit for Dallas’s profile and their need for edge-rush help.
The Cowboys' defense, led by rookie coordinator Christian Parker, has struggled to generate sacks this season, accumulating only seven total. This puts them significantly behind other teams, with 16 NFL teams currently boasting at least twice that many sacks. Sweat, who previously worked with Parker in Philadelphia, has two of Arizona’s eight sacks, indicating the Cardinals are also not excelling in this defensive category.
This renewed interest in Sweat follows previous sincere efforts by Dallas to acquire Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. Sweat is seen by some as a solid consolation prize if the team can't land a higher-profile target. However, the current rumors contrast with earlier reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport over the summer, who posted on X to dispel similar speculation, stating that Sweat was “not being traded.”
Arguments against the Cowboys being buyers often cite the team's mediocre record, suggesting they might not be good enough to warrant such investment. Yet, the counter-argument highlights the long-term value of a playoff appearance, even for a struggling team. Furthermore, rookie coordinator Christian Parker is reportedly keen on the idea of bringing Sweat into the fold, which could be a significant factor in any potential deal.
Josh Sweat, 29, is not without his concerns. He has a history of knee issues, similar to Maxx Crosby, and while a productive player, he is not consistently a “sack machine,” having reached double-digit sacks only twice in his nine-season career. His contract is also substantial, having signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal in 2025, though the source notes there might be “future escapability” in the agreement. The potential trade cost is another consideration, with speculation that Dallas might be able to secure him for a mid-round pick if Arizona is looking to move on from his contract. This combination of factors, especially the potential for a reasonable trade cost and Parker's influence, is seen as enough to drive the renewed swirling of trade rumors.
