Jerry Jones Speaks On Cowboys' 'Unconventional' Trade Mentality

Jerry Jones Speaks On Cowboys' 'Unconventional' Trade Mentality

The Dallas Cowboys were active throughout the NFL Draft, with two trades during the opening night. While that is not anything spectacular in and of itself, one of those trade partners raised some eyebrows across Dallas and the NFL.

Sitting at No. 20 overall, Jerry Jones chose to swap with none other than one of the Cowboys' arch rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dallas turned that pick into former UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence a few picks down the road at No. 23.

On the other hand, the Eagles sniped USC wideout Makai Lemon, who was set up to go to the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers one pick later.

The Cowboys got two additional picks at Nos. 114 and 137 overall, which turned into cornerback Devin Moore and and defensive tackle LT Overton, while also giving up a 2027 seventh-rounder.

READ MORE: Cowboys Labeled 'Biggest Winners' of 2026 NFL Draft

Both teams seemed to walk away happy, so why the controversy?

It is a longstanding, unwritten rule that teams are not supposed to trade within their division, as it could come back to haunt them in a big way. However, Jones does not seem to buy in to the superstitions.

When asked about his decision to do business with Philly, Jones quipped, "If you eliminate all the teams that I want to beat their ass, you wouldn't have anybody to trade with, so to speak."

Backing up his father's sentiments, executive vice president Stephen Jones said, "He's helping us do our job, too," in regards to Philadelphia owner Howie Roseman.

"It's just having confidence in what you're doing. I mean, we traded with the 49ers twice already this offseason and they're every bit the rival, in some degree, as the Eagles are," he continued.