Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is finally shedding light on what many suspected all along—the team’s controversial offseason moves were all part of a carefully calculated plan. While last year’s free agency decisions left fans and analysts puzzled, Jones insists everything has unfolded just as he intended.
The Cowboys raised eyebrows by letting key starters and rotational players walk without making major replacements. Meanwhile, contract negotiations for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb dragged on, fueling criticism from the national media. But according to long-time Cowboys insider Mike Fisher, this was all part of what he has dubbed the “Blow It Up” strategy—a deliberate effort to reset the team’s salary cap.
Now, Jones is openly admitting that this approach has been in motion for over a year. With Phase 1 complete, the team is shifting into Phase 2, adjusting their business strategy accordingly.
Reflecting on the team’s 7-10 season, Jones acknowledged that while the results weren’t ideal, the larger plan remained intact. “Apart from having a seven-win season—which is a disruptor and should make you reassess key areas—what we’re doing now was planned a year ago,” Jones explained. “When we didn’t make certain moves and got criticized for it, those decisions were intentional, setting us up for what we’re doing now.”
For those who follow CowboysCountry.com, none of this comes as a surprise. In hindsight, last offseason’s controversial choices now make sense. The delay in Dak and CeeDee’s contracts? Purposeful. The decision not to spend heavily? Intentional.
Now, the Cowboys are shifting gears. The focus this offseason is on retaining homegrown talent. The team has already re-signed Osa Odighizuwa, Brock Hoffman, C.J. Goodwin, Juanyeh Thomas, and Tyrus Wheat. Restructuring Prescott and Lamb’s contracts, along with Osa’s extension, has freed up over $70 million in cap space—with a Micah Parsons extension potentially adding even more.
Coincidence? Not at all.
While Jones was criticized for last year’s inactivity, the reasoning behind the “Blow It Up” plan is now becoming clear. Whether it results in a championship-caliber team in 2025 remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jerry Jones has been playing the long game, and now, he’s finally pulling back the curtain.
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