In the stew of disappointment following the Dallas Cowboys' first-round playoff loss, it wasn’t hard to catch the subtle message of change weaved into the words of team owner Jerry Jones. Postseason flop aside, Jones and his son Stephen have been staring at reality for far longer. Something with ramifications for 2022 and beyond.
The Cowboys have solid talent heading for free agency, and not nearly enough salary cap space to put up much of a fight for it. They’re also bracing to lose one of the best assistant coaches in the league this season, as defensive coordinator Dan Quinn appears certain to get another head-coaching offer in this cycle (see: Denver Broncos).