Jerry Jones caught between controversy and decisions yet to be made

Jerry Jones is right in the eye of the storm. Not because of a football decision, but because of a gesture that went viral. The Dallas Cowboys owner was fined $250,000 by the NFL after flipping off fans during the team’s 37-22 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium. In an interview with 105.3 The Fan, Jones claimed he meant to give a thumbs-up to the Texas fans celebrating in the stands, but ended up making what he called “a poor hand presentation.” The league didn’t see it as accidental.

But beyond the gesture, what really concerns Cowboys fans is what Jerry Jones hasn’t done. Specifically, reinforcing the defense. With a 2-2-1 record and Dak Prescott playing at an MVP level, the team has offensive firepower. According to data cited by Marca, the quarterback has thrown for over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in five games, despite missing key weapons like CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin. But defensively, without Micah Parsons, the unit has lost its bite.

Jerry Jones flipping the bird at folks at the Jets game 😭🤣😭 #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/rLcGHiFqQw

— Attack! on Cowboys ✭ (@AttackOnCowboys) October 5, 2025

Potential reinforcements come at a cost

The name Trey Hendrickson, defensive end for the Bengals, is starting to surface as a possible target. With Cincinnati struggling and Hendrickson tallying four sacks this season, several analysts—including Clarence Hill Jr.—have suggested Jerry Jones should make a bold move. “The NFC is wide open. No monsters. The Cowboys are in it. Jerry Jones should make a trade,” Hill wrote on social media.

Trey Hendrickson’s PFF grades this year.

Yeah, he’s pretty good. pic.twitter.com/uASG7DzsO6

— Boston Buzzer (@TheBostonBuzzer) October 7, 2025

The franchise has the assets to negotiate: four first-round picks over the next two years. But the owner seems more focused on putting out media fires than igniting competitive ones. The fine for the obscene gesture isn’t the first in Jerry Jones’ history. And although he issued a public apology, the incident once again puts him under the spotlight for reasons unrelated to football.

Upcoming matchups

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are preparing to face the Panthers, hoping to get Lamb back and solidify their offense. But if the defense doesn’t improve, their competitive ceiling will remain limited. And that’s where Jerry Jones must decide: will he keep making headlines for his gestures, or for his decisions?.

4️⃣ + 3️⃣ = 7️⃣

Up Next ➡️ #DALvsCAR 10/12 on FOX pic.twitter.com/xMWbI1OtHy

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 6, 2025

Dallas has talent, a favorable schedule, and urgency. What it lacks right now is a defense that commands respect. And that’s exactly what fans are begging Jerry Jones to fix if he wants his Cowboys to matter in the NFL this season.