Colin Cowherd didn't sugarcoat his concerns about the Dallas Cowboys on "The Herd," sharply criticising Jerry Jones for his overwhelming influence over the team's operations.
According to Cowherd, Jones's immense wealth has become a liability. Not only does it foster a false sense of infallibility, but it also blocks necessary change and strategic planning.
Cowherd cut right to the heart of the issue:
"The downside to wealth is that it starts to make you feel you're great at everything."
Interpreting Jones's role, Cowherd painted the Cowboys as a franchise that underperforms in crucial areas, like the NFL Draft and free agency. He lamented:
"The Cowboys don't draft well. They overpay good players and ghost free agency ... I was looking this morning, NFC championship games, most recent appearances ... the Cowboys haven't [appeared] since 1995."
He reiterated, again, the negative impact of Jones's wealth.
"And Jerry will never give up control. That's the downside to wealth."
Cowherd's comparison speaks volumes: while other NFC and AFC teams have managed to reach conference championships, Dallas has remained sidelined for almost three decades.
He pointed out that franchises from Chicago to New Orleans have recently appeared in marquee matchups, something the Cowboys simply haven't done.
Jones's stubborn control is stifling progress
Jones, 82, still holds tight to the titles of owner, president, and general manager, a structure Cowherd argues is no longer effective in today's NFL.
When asked recently whether he would consider stepping down, Jones replied: "Uh... yes. Momentarily," he said. "Small fractions of seconds, I promise you that."
Despite earlier success under Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, this centralized leadership approach now reflects more risk-avoidance than ambition.
Cowherd contended that Jones's unwillingness to delegate is fueling the team's stagnation.
Their draft record highlights the flaw: since 2020, Dallas has consistently missed on mid-round talent, while rivals like Philadelphia have built deep rosters through smart selections.
Cowherd used the example of the Eagles acquiring Saquon Barkley and the Titans signing Derrick Henry, significant moves Jones reportedly bypassed.
Cowherd's critique lands on two fronts: not only is Jones overstepping by micromanaging player signings and draft choices, but his refusal to relinquish power is also preventing fresh voices from steering the franchise toward progress.
The Cowboys' recent struggles can't be pinned solely on field performance.
The franchise consistently struggles with strategic missteps, like overvaluing mid-round picks for role players and delaying key coaching hires.
Other analysts have echoed Cowherd, chiding Jones's sluggishness in securing top coaching talent and veteran assistants, decisions Cowherd branded as urgent misfires.
Despite these misgivings, Jones has defended his passion for both the role of general manager and president, saying, "I don't apologize at all for the fact that I've got the passion to be in the spot I'm in or I have the background or I have the qualifications."
At training camp, Jones reiterated that he's "living for now," focusing on the current season.
While that energy is admirable, Cowherd argues that a short-sighted, hit-or-miss philosophy keeps Dallas from consistently competing at the highest level.
