Jerry Jones' $100B natural gas project is taking time away from fixing Dallas Cowboys defense

Jerry Jones, the businessman, is incredibly well-known, both within and outside of the Dallas Cowboys. He might get the most attention for owning the world’s most valuable sports franchise but there are plenty of other ventures out there. Jones reportedly recently invested $1 billion into Comstock Resources with the goal of drilling into a new natural gas supply.

When recently speaking on the investment, Jones brought up the potential massive return. He then mentioned that as to why he was conducting an interview on the subject instead of working on the struggling Cowboys defense.

“There’s $100 billion present value with gas out there,” Jones said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. “That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense with the Dallas Cowboys.”

At the very least, Jones is correct about the unit needing fixing. Not many stats are positive when talking about the Dallas defense, usually having a low number attached to its name. The pass defense ranks 31st and nobody in the NFL has given up more touchdowns through the air. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus have yet to figure out how to stop the run, giving up the fourth-most rushing yards in the league.

The Cowboys currently hold a 3-4-1 record, fresh off a loss out West to the Denver Broncos. Next up are the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. Less than 24 hours later will be the NFL trade deadline, arguably the final chance Jones holds to fix the Cowboys defense. You could rattle off a few positions of need if there is any chance of salvaging the group.

“I think you’re trying to improve what you’re going to be doing in November and December and January,” Jones said via 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “You’re trying to do that, but how big of a price do you want to pay for it?”

Trading away late Day 2 or Day 3 picks has not been an issue in recent times. And Jones would be quick to remind you the Cowboys have an extra two first-round picks over the next couple of years.

Of course, this all comes after Dallas traded away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Shortly after the trade was announced, Parsons signed a four-year $188 million contract. He is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Parsons got a personal payday and plays for a team atop the NFC North at 5-1-1.