Jerry Jones claims Dallas Cowboys will 'no question' be better on defense after bye week, trades

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed on Friday that he’s excited for the Cowboys’ defense to improve following this upcoming bye week. With the additions his team made, it’s safe to say Jones is excited for the back-half of the regular season.

Prior to the NFL Trade Deadline, Dallas parted ways with DT Mazi Smith, a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft for New York Jets All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams. Following the trade for Williams, the Cowboys designated linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to return to the gridiron. Overshown has missed the entire season due to a knee injury he suffered last season.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he’s excited about the impact of potentially six players that can make an impact on the team’s struggling defense.

“There’s no question we’re going to be improved.”

Potential guys include Quinnen Williams, DeMarvion Overshown, etc.

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) November 14, 2025

“There’s no question we’re going to be improved,” Jones said on Friday. The quote came courtesy of Cowboys reporter Joseph Hoyt.

These reinforcements are much needed, as Dallas currently ranks second-to-last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (397.4). They also rank second-to-last in the league in points allowed per game (30.8). Dallas’ defense was near the bottom of the league in both categories as well last season, and this problem got even worse following the trade of All-Pro defensive end Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers prior to the regular season.

With eight regular season games remaining, Dallas currently sits at 3-5-1. This is good for second in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) and ahead of the Washington Commanders (3-7) and New York Giants (2-8). They are the fourth team out of the NFC Postseason, behind the San Francisco 49ers (6-4), Carolina Panthers (5-5) and Minnesota Vikings (4-5).

Williams and Overshown will help bolster Dallas defense

Offensively, things are going great in Jerry World. Dallas ranks fourth in the NFL in yards per game (378.4) and points per game (29.2). This, however, isn’t resulting in wins. Both Dallas and the Cincinnati Bengals are stuck in limbo, where they have high-powered offenses but can’t overcome defenses that allow points in bunches.

The addition of Williams and Overshown should definitely help on that side of the ball, however. In eight games for the New York Jets this season, Williams recorded 17 tackles, one sack, and three forced fumbles. Overshown, who was selected in the Third Round of the 2023 NFL Draft, burst onto the scene with 56 tackles and five sacks prior to his injury last season.

With just eight precious games remaining, putting up at least a little fight on that side of the ball is instrumental for a potential playoff push. That push begins this Sunday on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Allegiant Stadium.