The Dallas Cowboys, a team reeling from a disappointing defeat to the No. 7-seeded Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round, have kept a relatively low profile this offseason. The losses of significant players like Tony Pollard and Tyron Smith, both of whom played crucial roles in their recent campaigns, left notable gaps.
While the return of Ezekiel Elliot marked the team’s most significant move, it was more a nod to nostalgia than a promise of peak performance, with Elliot not quite the dynamic force he once was.
Despite these underwhelming moves, Dallas is reportedly on the brink of securing what could potentially be their most impactful signing of the offseason. The target? Zay Jones, a 29-year-old wide receiver whose career has been a mixed bag but showed promising signs in the 2022 season.
Zay Jones: A Glimmer of Hope for Cowboys’ Receiving Corps
Jones, who visited the Cowboys on Wednesday, has had an uneven NFL journey since being drafted in the second round in 2017. Despite not fully living up to the expectations set by his draft status, his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 was notable, with career highs of 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns. This performance could be a beacon of hope for a Dallas squad in desperate need of reliable receiving options.
This is some Zay Jones' highlights from the 2022-2023 season.
I see WAY more than a contested catch/jump ball guy. Screens, jet sweeps, shallow crossers, getting open in the middle of the field, going up to get it, etc.
He DEFINITELY raises the WR room floor. Get it done, Veach pic.twitter.com/Sv6Zi8EPOG
— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) May 9, 2024
“Jones had his best NFL season in 2022, catching 82 passes for 823 yards and 5 TDs for the Jaguars,” tweeted Jon Machota of The Athletic, highlighting the potential upside of this acquisition.
However, the arrival of star receiver Calvin Ridley back from suspension and the Jaguars’ subsequent moves this offseason, including the signing of Gabe Davis and the drafting of Brian Thomas Jr., ultimately made Jones expendable. His release from Jacksonville marks a low point, yet it opens a door for Dallas to potentially transform one team’s surplus into their new treasure.
A Critical Juncture for the Cowboys
The signing of Zay Jones could be a pivotal moment for the Cowboys. It offers a chance to revitalize a receiving corps that has struggled to find consistent playmakers beyond CeeDee Lamb. With the NFC East becoming increasingly competitive, the addition of a player like Jones might provide just the spark needed to keep Dallas in contention.
Moreover, this move would be a test of the Cowboys’ ability to rehabilitate players who have shown potential but have yet to consistently deliver. If Jones can channel his 2022 form, he might just prove to be the steal of the offseason, a welcome narrative after the team’s recent string of underwhelming transactions.
As the Cowboys look to bounce back from their playoff heartbreak and reassert themselves as contenders, the addition of Zay Jones could mark a crucial turning point. It’s an opportunity for both player and team to prove that last season’s disappointments are not a final verdict but a stepping stone to greater achievements.
