Jerry Jones: Cowboys trading Micah Parsons ‘never been uttered’ :: ESPN
Jones stepped in Tuesday to try to tamp down rumblings that the Cowboys might consider trading Parsons to ease things financially. “That’s never been uttered in this organization, that we don’t have a future with Micah Parsons,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan, suggesting that media speculation twisted comments made by his son Stephen. Parsons is signed through 2025. The Cowboys exercised a fifth-year option on his rookie deal worth a little more than $21 million for next season but could look to sign him to a long-term extension this offseason.
Is Mike McCarthy saving his job with recent Cowboys wins? Jerry Jones continues to hint that :: Yahoo Sports
A 6-8 record isn’t great, but considering the Cowboys were sitting at 3-7 just last month, the injury-decimated team may be doing enough down the home stretch to earn McCarthy a new contract. “I don’t know how you cannot say that his team has shown that they’ll handle adversity,” Jones said. They’ll have an uphill climb over the final three contests, but both McCarthy and Mike Zimmer are currently earning “high grades” from their boss.
Cowboys’ defense suddenly becoming a top five NFL unit :: Cowboys Wire
Despite a rough start to the season, Zimmer’s unit has rebounded nicely over the past four weeks and now ranks fifth in EPA/play. In particular has been a sharp improvement in run defense, climbing from 28th in success rate against all the way to ninth. Even more encouraging is that they’re doing it with several of their biggest stars missing.
Cowboys will have major dilemma regarding soon-to-be free agent QB :: SI.com
Cooper Rush has been solid in relief of Dak Prescott, but the veteran backup is set to become a free agent at season’s end. His last deal with Dallas was a two-year agreement worth $5 million. Rush’s stats over the latter half of this season suggest he could command a good deal more money- but likely from another team- in 2025.
‘Something we’ve got to work on’: Cowboys QB Cooper Rush near top of league in this one dubious stat :: Cowboys Wire
Racking up two more on Sunday, Rush has now fumbled nine times since taking over at quarterback. That puts him in the same neighborhood as some of the league’s top passers- Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts. Except they all have twice as many snaps under their belts. Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer says he and Rush need to work on some fundamentals to get the loose-ball issue under control.
McCarthy on Cowboys’ complementary football: ‘That’s the way we want to play’ :: The Mothership
It’s mid-December, and the Cowboys may finally be hitting their stride. Mike McCarthy pointed to their plus-three turnover ratio against Carolina, winning the field position battle, 20 more offensive plays, and a solid edge in time of possession as indicators that the team is playing balanced. He acknowledged the team’s issues with penalties and ball security, but he knows that Dallas is, incredibly, not out of the postseason chase quite yet.
Did the Cowboys O-line improve or are they just facing poorer defenses? :: Cowboys Wire
The Cowboys’ last four opponents rank 25th, 24th, 30th, and 31st respectively in EPA/rush. That may help explain the run game’s recent uptick, but remember that Dallas has also had to do some serious shuffling along the offensive line in that span. Overall, there have been 11 different combinations of linemen this season. Of the five that started on Sunday, only two were starters in Week 1 and there’s a good chance only one, Tyler Smith at LG, will be at his same starting position in 2025. Give them some credit for jelling as of late, but slap an asterisk on any talk of a permanent turnaround.
Make no mistake, Dallas Cowboys’ culture hasn’t been the issue in otherwise lost season :: Dallas Morning News
Just because the Cowboys are below .500 doesn’t mean the culture in the locker room is bad. And neither the uncertainty surrounding their coaches nor the 1% chance of making the playoffs has any bearing on the men still playing for pride. “We’re never going to quit,” said Tyler Smith. “We’re never going to lay down for anybody. That speaks to who we are, not only as individuals, but as men and as players.”
Rico’s winning week continues with Christmastime giveaway :: Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley leads Pro Bowl Games voting by fans :: NFL.com
Barkley leads all fan voting with one week remaining; Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Jahmyr Gibbs round out the top five. The Cowboys currently have no offensive or defensive players leading the vote at their position. Brandon Aubrey is the NFC’s top-vote-getting kicker, though, and KaVontae Turpin leads the conference in return specialist votes.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest first-round predictions entering Week 16 :: The 33rd Team
Things worked out when the Cowboys used a first-round draft choice on a versatile linebacker named Micah Parsons who could also rush the passer. This mock exercise has them hoping lightning strikes twice as they select Georgia’s Jalon Walker with the 14th overall pick. Walker is a terrific linebacker with the strength and speed to be a third-down pass-rush threat. Given the Cowboys’ recent injuries at both linebacker and D-end, another play-anywhere pick might make a lot of sense.
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones admits to eating raccoons and squirrels: ‘It’s not uncommon at all’ :: CBS Sports
Riffing on the recent news that Panthers WR Xavier Legette dined on racoon for Thanksgiving, radio hosts from 105.3 The Fan asked the Cowboys owner about unusual menu items. “I’ve eaten a lot of raccoon,” Jones said. “Yes, the answer is yes. I’ve eaten it hunting, and I’ve actually had it served by my mom at the table away from hunting.” Jones also added that squirrel is one of his favorites, recalling that his family would often argue over who got to eat the brain.
