Cowboys Face Tough Questions Ahead of Trade Deadline After Loss to Cardinals

The Dallas Cowboys suffered a 27-17 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. This defeat dropped Dallas to 3-5-1, putting them 3.5 games behind the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. The loss also shows the urgency of the approaching NFL trade deadline.

The Cowboys’ offense, which had averaged over 30 points per game, was unable to produce consistently. Turnovers and failed fourth-down conversions halted promising drives. Meanwhile, the defense allowed 27 points to a Cardinals team playing without star quarterback Kyler Murray.

With the trade deadline approaching, questions about the roster’s ability to compete are becoming more urgent. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has indicated that the Cowboys have already made one trade and could make additional moves before the Tuesday 3 p.m. CST deadline.

Breakdown of the Monday Night Defeat

Dallas opened the game with a strong offensive series, moving quickly into the red zone. On fourth-and-goal from the four-yard line, however, the Cardinals’ defense stood firm, stopping Prescott short and swinging the early momentum. What could have been an opening statement for Dallas instead gave Arizona the spark it needed.

Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett delivered a poised performance for the Cardinals, completing 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. He spread the ball efficiently, capitalizing on Dallas’s blown coverages and keeping drives alive on third down. A 74-yard touchdown march in the third quarter gave Arizona a commanding lead, one the Cowboys never truly threatened.

Dallas’s offensive stars, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, combined for 164 receiving yards, showing flashes of their big-play potential. Yet stalled drives, dropped passes, and protection breakdowns kept the offense from sustaining momentum. Tony Pollard found limited running lanes, finishing with modest yardage as the Cardinals’ front seven controlled the line of scrimmage.

Special teams briefly reignited hope when a blocked punt was returned for a touchdown, trimming the deficit. But as the defense continued to allow chunk plays and the offense failed to respond, the comeback effort faded. For a team trying to stay in playoff contention, the inability to capitalize on key moments was especially costly.

Trade Deadline

The NFL trade deadline has now become a central focus for the Cowboys’ front office. Jerry Jones confirmed that one trade has been completed and hinted that further movement could be on the way. The team’s priority appears to be improving the defensive front, as Dallas currently allows the second-most points per game in the league, a number that reflects both personnel gaps and schematic issues.

Potential trade targets include established edge rushers and linebackers capable of generating immediate pressure and tightening run defense. Players such as Trey Hendrickson, Bradley Chubb, and Logan Wilson have all surfaced in connection with Dallas, though acquiring any of them would require careful salary cap management.

Still, Jones has cautioned that the Cowboys will not make reactionary moves. He has repeatedly stated his desire to keep core pieces intact and avoid jeopardizing long-term flexibility. Team insiders describe a front office balancing between urgency and restraint, aware that an aggressive trade could spark a turnaround but also mindful that overpaying now might limit future options.

Where Things Stand

The Cowboys face multiple pressures heading into the final hours before the trade deadline. Each remaining game now matters for the playoffs. The offense has proven capable of scoring quickly, but the defense’s inconsistency continues to weigh heavily on the team’s playoff chances.

Trade decisions can shape both performance and perception. Bringing in a game-changing defensive player could energize the locker room, restore fan confidence, and change the tone of the season. Failing to act, however, might be seen as an acknowledgment that the focus has shifted toward 2026. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, reading every rumor and move as a signal of the team’s true intentions.

The next few hours could determine whether Dallas fights its way back into the playoff mix or begins preparing for the future. A well-timed trade could reignite belief in the locker room and steady the season’s course. Standing still might send the opposite message, that it is time to regroup and reset. Monday’s loss to the Cardinals could ultimately be remembered as the moment when the season’s trajectory was set.

The trade deadline is both a race and a reality check. The roster is stretched thin, injuries are mounting, and the pressure is undeniable. What the Cowboys decide to do will show if they are still pushing for this season or starting to plan for the future.