Jerry Jones never lets things get too quiet in Dallas. Just when the dust starts to settle, the Cowboys owner stirs the pot—sometimes with a blockbuster signing, other times with a decision that has fans and analysts throwing up their hands in confusion. It’s been that way for years, and this offseason is proving no different. One moment, the front office is working the phones, wheeling and dealing to bring in fresh talent. The next, they’re letting a cornerstone walk out the door.

If there’s a method to the madness, only Jerry knows for sure. But in a league where loyalty lasts only as long as a contract, even the most battle-tested veterans aren’t safe from the churn. After a 7-10 season, it’s time for the Cowboys to snag some fresh talent for the squad. Jones locked down some homegrown talent with contract extensions before and during free agency. On Day 3 of free agency, Jerry Jones’ team exchanged with two franchises to add more depth to their D-line. So, what’s the fresh update from Dallas?

Well, the team added two more players on Day 3 of free agency. First is Titans LB Kenneth Murray and second is CB Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills. Dallas also acquired a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Titans in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. For Elam, the Cowboys’ front office gave away a fifth-round pick this year and a seventh-rounder in 2026.

Kenneth, an Oklahoma alum, started his NFL journey wearing Chargers colors. The Chargers did not offer their former first-round pick an extension after four years, losing him to the Titans. The 26-year-old was handed the captaincy role in his first year with the team. It was all good until Week 16, when Kenneth suffered a wrist injury in a game against the Colts. Now he has the opportunity to establish himself on America’s Team.

CB Kaiir Elam will be entering his fourth year in the NFL. The Florida alum was the Bills’ first pick in the 2022 draft. It looks like Jerry Jones is collecting all former first-round picks from other franchises. Since Kaiir was a first-round pick, his rookie contract includes a fifth-year option. So Dallas has to also decide whether to extend his contract or let him become a free agent after the 2025 season.

Elam has not put up spectacular numbers in his stats column so far. The CB has been on the inactive list most of the time during his tenure with the Bills. Elam will get a fresh start with the Cowboys, so it will be interesting to see how Brian Schottenheimer shapes up the young CB and whether this trade is a hit or miss for Dallas.

While they added some first-round picks to their defensive lineup, the team also lost a veteran defensive star.

End of an era: DeMarcus Lawrence leaves Dallas

DeMarcus Lawrence‘s time in Dallas has officially come to an end. On one hand, Jerry Jones and the front office are adding players to strengthen the roster. But on the other hand, they have been keeping quiet about the contract extensions of a few key players. Defensive star Micah Parsons is in the final year of his contract with the team, and Dallas is just waiting, waiting, and waiting to do anything. Things around the league are complicated, especially since the Browns agreed on an extension with Myles Garrett worth $123.5 million.

“The longer Jerry Jones waits, the more expensive Micah Parsons becomes. The Dallas Cowboys need to stop being reactive and become proactive as a franchise in getting deals done. If the player is a cornerstone of your program, pay them,” said former QB Robert Griffin. This delay could be the reason they also lost veteran DeMarcus Lawrence, or maybe they chose to let him go. The 32-year-old had been with the Cowboys for a decade. Lawrence’s contract expired this season, and instead of offering him an extension, the team let him enter free agency.

The Seattle Seahawks wasted no time signing the four-time Pro Bowler to a three-year deal worth $42 million. Lawrence’s contract with Seattle includes $18 million in guaranteed money. Lawrence’s exit has shocked his teammates, but what else was Dallas expecting when letting him enter free agency? So, for now, we can’t say for sure if these moves are impressive. But depending on how they play out, they certainly have the potential to be.