Jerry Jones Defies Al Davis' Advice in Eagles Trade for Makai Lemon

When the Dallas Cowboys were on the clock before the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles called with a trade proposal. The Cowboys accepted, allowing the Eagles to draft wide receiver Makai Lemon.

In making the deal, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones disregarded one of the first lessons he ever learned: Do not trade with a division rival.

That lesson was taught to Jones by former Oakland Raiders owner and general manager Al Davis, who served as an early mentor after Jones purchased the Cowboys. However, Jones said he does not agree with Davis' advice.

"I don't really pay much attention to who I'm talking to." Jerry Jones said when asked about trading within the NFC East. "Al Davis, probably the first thing he tried to put in my head was, 'Don't even answer a call from your division. Jerry, this is all about strategizing against your division opponents because you play them twice and you can't forget that edge there. That's a very strategic edge.' So I didn't take that lesson from Al."

Jones has had an inconsistent approach to Davis' lesson. Last year, when the Eagles sought to trade for linebacker Micah Parsons, Jones refused to discuss it, instead trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, a non-division opponent.

However, Jones has made other trades with the Eagles, including a 2021 draft-day deal that resulted in the Eagles selecting DeVonta Smith while the Cowboys took Parsons.

Lemon would not have been an Eagle without Jones' involvement; the Pittsburgh Steelers were poised to select Lemon at No. 21 before the Eagles moved up to No. 20. If Lemon becomes a consistent playmaker against the Cowboys twice a year, Jones may come to regret ignoring Davis' strategic advice.