Jerry Jones‘ Cowboys took the first hit of the offseason with Zack Martin announcing his retirement. Martin, who has been the heart and soul of the team’s offensive line, decided to hang up his cleats after 10 years in the league. He finished his career without a Super Bowl win. But that’s the case for many Cowboys players, as the team hasn’t won a Lombardi in three decades. So, as the front office takes a major blow with Martin’s departure, they know they can’t just sit around twiddling their thumbs. The Cowboys understand they have decisions to make and need to turn their ship around after another disappointing season.

Dallas CEO Stephen Jones has been keeping it real about where things stand after another playoff disappointment. And he knows they have to do better than that. Stephen was recently asked about Philly winning the Super Bowl this year. And whether it had any influence on his team. Giving the Eagles their flowers, Jones said, “Obviously, much respect to them for getting that done…Certainly we’re always looking for ways to be better.” 

Reflecting on Dallas’ performance this year, Stephen added, “What we’ve done recently with our lack of playoff success, and certainly this year, we understand that and know we have to continue to look for ways to be better than that.” Jerry Jones’ team finished third in the NFC East, barely scraping together seven wins. The team’s offense was a nightmare to watch, partly because QB Dak Prescott missed the entire season after suffering an injury in Week 9. The team’s long Super Bowl drought (heck, even a Championship will do) does not seem to end.

Well, this offseason, like always, Dallas has been making moves, starting with promoting Brian Schottenheimer to the HC position. The Cowboys Nation was not too happy with the decision, but maybe give the new HC a chance, eh? Maybe he can turn things around for the team. For now, it’s the front office that’s in the hot seat as free agency approaches.

Jerry Jones’ free agency plans

The Cowboys are already in a tricky position with their salary cap space. They signed a contract extension with QB Dak Prescott last season worth $240 million. That must have been a blow to them as the QB fell to injuries. And now, Zack Martin’s retirement is another problem for them. Dallas also inked a four-year, $136 million extension with WR CeeDee Lamb. But that deal might not pinch them much, given that Lamb is their only top option among WRs.

So now, keeping all this in mind, Jerry Jones knows the team cannot throw cash around like it’s confetti. They will have to plan smart and make calculated moves. And you know it can never happen that Jerry doesn’t have a plan. The league has increased the salary cap space this season, potentially reaching between $277.5 million and $281.5 million. So, keeping that in mind, Stephen Jones said, “We will be selectively strategic and aggressive.“

The rumors say that the team will also try to negotiate a restructuring deal with Dak. On top of that, Jones has informed that they are also looking to add a young QB to the squad. “You know, I think one of our goals is to get a young quarterback in the draft. I don’t know where that’s going to be. That’s why we gave a [fourth-round pick] for Trey. It seems like all the quarterbacks, even guys we have in the fourth round, go in the first.”

What that means for Dak, only the Cowboys’ management can say. But considering the QB’s injuries, it will be a better option to have somebody to fall back on. And also, drafting a young QB for the long run might be on the cards sooner or later.