As the trade deadline approaches, there will be plenty of rumors circulating around the league. For the Dallas Cowboys, however, all the rumors can be that, and only that. But there’s still some hope that Dallas makes a move to bring in a big name or ship out an underperforming one in an effort to improve this team. In reality, most Cowboys fans probably shouldn’t hold their breath on this since we’re talking about Jerry Jones.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones gave fans a small glimmer of hope just days before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Even though Jones’ words sound good, that’s all they are. Stocks will speak a lot louder, especially since Dallas is generally quiet on this front.

“We will continue our activities as usual. We have a lot of good players who will come back in the next 3 or 4 weeks.” Stephen Jones said. “If the right deal comes along, we will definitely look at it.”

Although Jones said this in a tempered manner so as not to get fans’ hopes up too much, it’s a different message than the usual, “we’re happy with what we have” message that Jerry Jones usually communicates. It’s clear that this team doesn’t have all the pieces needed to compete right now, but Jerry can’t admit it or doesn’t realize it.

Dallas has holes in the backfield, offensive line and wide receiver that need to be filled and that’s just on offense. They need help, but (Jerry) Jones is too stubborn to admit where he went wrong and fix the problem.

At this point, anyone besides Dak Prescott could be on the trading block and the only reason the quarterback won’t be is because of this brand new contract. Other than that, no one should be safe, but there are a few names you might hear as the deadline approaches.

Zack Martin, Osa Odighizuwa and Trey Lance are names that could get some attention over the next few days. All for different reasons, but these are names that might get some attention.

For the former All-Pro, Martin’s prime is clearly behind him even if he does something that remains in the tank. The offensive line hasn’t been good this year and moving on from Martin, 33, would free up space and potentially a decent draft pick or two. These would most likely be mid-to-last round draft picks, but the Cowboys aren’t in a position to be very picky.

As for Odighizuwa, he has been one of the highlights of the defense this season and, at 26 years old, could attract some good draft capital. No one wants to trade good, up-and-coming players, but if you can replace them with one or two prospects of equal or greater talent, it might be worth it in the long run.

When it comes to Trey Lance, there isn’t much to say. Jerry traded a fourth-round pick to San Francisco for Lance last year and that’s where the story essentially begins and ends. Aside from a few preseason snaps, there aren’t many realistic scenarios in which Lance hits the field in the regular season as long as Dak stays healthy. On top of that, Lance isn’t even QB2, he’s the third-string emergency quarterback. It’s time to admit it was a mistake, take whatever you can, and move on.

Jerry Jones is not a fan of his QB running the ball a lot, especially after that leg injury that forced Prescott to miss most of the 2020 campaign. Some have called for Dak to return to running the ball like more early in his career. However, even aside from injuries, many QBs tend to run less as they age in the league and gain more experience.

"You really don’t want to see him really take off with that ball," owner and general manager Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan. “Those quarterbacks that run, you know they’re going to get hurt. It happens. It happens to the youngest and the best. It happened to Dak.”

“We’re counting on him to stay healthy, that’s a big part,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t say it’s red-lettered in the establishment not to run, but I would say we want him to be smart about it. And he’s smart about it. However, he will, When he sees the opportunity, pull it down and run with it – as we know.”

Jones makes valid points because running at the QB position exposes you to more hits and potential injuries. But the fact that the Cowboys have relied so heavily on Prescott is one of the reasons they’ve struggled this season. The other parts aren’t really holding up on offense and that has become an unbearable weight on Prescott’s shoulders.