The Dallas Cowboys, like all 32 teams, host a press conference at the conclusion of each day of the draft. The top dogs of the organization attend, answering question from the local media. Director of Player Personnel Will McClay is there, despite not being included in the family picture from the War Room, as is head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Executive VP Stephen Jones tends to answer the questions about how things unfolded the best, but owner/GM Jerry Jones is always the main attraction.
On Friday, following the selection of Jaishawn Barham and the trade acquisition of Dee Winters, the Cowboys finally addressed the linebacker position. However, they haven't addressed the boundary cornerback spot, so it made a ton of sense for the press pool to ask about Jermod McCoy, the Tennessee corner with a knee injury concern. Jones answer was interesting, but he signed off with some additional info to hold onto until schedules are released next month.
Jones was asked whether or not their "no redshirt" edict would extend to their fourth-round picks, 112, 114 and 137 on Saturday. McCoy was seen as the best CB talent in the draft, but reports his knee injury suffered in January 2025 still isn't ready has caused him to plummet to Day 3.
Jones said, without anyone mentioning McCoy by name, he believes he doesn't think Dallas would go in that direction. He believes there are prospects who can still help on the board, but it was the way he phrased it that catches attention.
In speaking about prospects who would be able to contribute right away, Jones said there were names "that can be there on the 53 and help us beat the Giants."
The New York Giants aren't good; they aren't the team one would mention when it comes to sizing up the toughest competition. And as the NFL announced the Cowboys will be facing the Baltimore Ravens in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in Week 3, it certainly stands to reason a lot of the Cowboys' schedule is already in place. Teams that travel internationally have their surrounding weeks planned out as well.
So that slip by Jones likely indicates the Cowboys are starting their 2026 campaign against the New York Giants. It would be the first time since 2023 they've opened the season, however they met six of eight times during the end of the 2010 decade.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may have leaked Week 1 Giants matchup