It’s tough to be in the business of being a Dallas Cowboys fan.
Not only have the on-field results in the playoffs been underwhelming for three decades but there’s this phenomenon in which every time something noteworthy happens in the NFL, you can’t help but compare it to Dallas’ modus operandi and be like: See? This is how you football!
It’s underwhelming for sure but it’s true. And when it’s a division rival on the other end, it stings even more. And if it’s the one front office than consistently looked like the most dysfunctional in the NFC East but now they’re being aggressive and efficient, it hurts more than a slap in the face.
That’s what happened this week when the Washington Commanders landed Deebo Samuel for a fifth-round selection. You see, it’s not just that the Josh Harris’ ownership is taking this seriously but it’s the fact that it hasn’t been that long since the Cowboys traded a fourth-rounder for Jonathan Mingo.
At the time, acquiring Mingo was perceived like an overpay from the Joneses. Five catches in eight games played did nothing to change the narrative. Now, it’s true Mingo being on a cheap contract through 2026 helped boost the compensation Dallas had to pay but the problem is… The Cowboys could’ve paid less for a more impactful player? Why didn’t they?
They also could’ve accepted the 2024 season was trending downward and if anything, they should’ve been sellers, not buyers. That fourth-round draft pick sure would’ve been helpful this year, be it to draft a key player to develop or to trade it for a proven veteran, like the Commanders are with Deebo.
Such is the story of the modern day Dallas Cowboys and all fans can do is accept the bleak reality. Gone are the days of Wow! Jerry Jones is crazy, how did he do that?. Now it’s Darn, I wish Jerry and Co. could do that.