Jerry Jones Defends Cowboys Draft Strategy: We Achieved Our Objective in Trade That Sent Pick to Packers
DALLAS — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again addressed one of the most debated "what-if" scenarios in recent NFL memory. The topic? The 2021 draft-day trade that sent the team's original first-round pick to the Green Bay Packers, a selection that turned out to be superstar linebacker Micah Parsons.
Jones, speaking to reporters, reaffirmed his stance that he has no regrets about the decision, insisting the move was a calculated success for the Cowboys' board.
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of that draft," Jones stated. "Our strategy was executed exactly as planned, and we secured the player we targeted all along. We got what we wanted."
The Anatomy of a Franchise-Altering Trade
The pivotal moment occurred during the 2021 NFL Draft. Holding the 10th overall pick, the Cowboys fielded an offer from the rival Packers, who were eager to move up. Dallas agreed to trade back to No. 12, acquiring an additional third-round pick (No. 84 overall) in the exchange.
The Packers used the acquired No. 10 pick to select cornerback Eric Stokes. The Cowboys, now at No. 12, then pounced on Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, a player many analysts believed wouldn't still be available.
The narrative, however, is fueled by hindsight. While Parsons has become a two-time First-Team All-Pro and the Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Cowboys' front office maintains their decision was based on their pre-draft evaluation and the value of acquiring an extra asset.
Building a Roster, Not Just a Highlight Reel
Jones's comments underscore a fundamental philosophy in team building: the draft is a complex puzzle of value and need, not just a race to grab the highest-profile player.
By moving back two spots, the Cowboys not only selected a transformative defensive talent in Parsons but also used the additional third-round pick from Green Bay as part of a trade package to acquire cornerback Kelvin Joseph in the second round. For the front office, the move was a two-for-one success that addressed multiple defensive needs.
"The objective is never to just pick a player; it's to build your team," a team source explained. "The value gained by moving back and still securing your guy is the ideal scenario for any war room. That's exactly what happened."
While fans and pundits will forever wonder what might have been if they had stayed put, the Cowboys' brass remains unified in their view: the trade was a strategic win that delivered a cornerstone player and additional capital, making it a definitive victory for their draft board.
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