As the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season falters, with playoff hopes dwindling and a season-ending injury to quarterback Dak Prescott, a growing faction of the fanbase has begun calling for the team to embrace the idea of “tanking”—losing games intentionally for a higher draft pick. While tanking may seem like a tempting option for securing top prospects, it’s a strategy that could ultimately do more harm than good for the Cowboys’ future.
The Tanking Debate
In the wake of the Cowboys’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, fans like SunsValley480 voiced frustration, suggesting that “winning now is just dumb” and that the team should “tank the rest of the season.” Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Dallas should prioritize securing a high draft pick for a future turnaround, with posts such as Clay Slocum’s, “If you’re not going to win it all…might as well tank and get high picks.”
However, despite the team’s disappointing 4-7 record, the idea of tanking has not taken hold within the Cowboys’ locker room. Key players, including defensive end Micah Parsons, are still pushing to win, even if playoff hopes remain slim. “I’m not done yet,” Parsons said, reinforcing the team’s commitment to finishing strong, regardless of the odds.
Is the Draft Position Really Worth It?
The central argument for tanking often comes down to securing a higher draft pick, but the reality of this approach isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem. While picking higher in the draft might give Dallas a chance at a player like Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter or Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty, the difference between a top-five pick and a pick closer to the middle of the first round is often overstated.
For instance, even if the Cowboys finish just outside the playoff picture, elite players like Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham or Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks could still be available. The margin between picking fifth and 15th isn’t always enough to justify throwing away games for the sake of draft position.
Long-Term Development and Team Morale
What’s often overlooked in the tanking debate is the impact it has on the team’s morale and long-term development. The Cowboys are in a crucial period where young players are gaining valuable experience. Players like rookie defensive linemen and second-year players are still learning how to win at the highest level. Tanking, especially when it means intentionally losing games, could undermine their confidence and hinder their growth.
Dallas is heading into an offseason where key veterans like Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence are expected to depart. Developing young talent now, by allowing them to gain meaningful snaps in competitive games, will pay off in the future. As owner Jerry Jones pointed out, “We have a young team out there on that field. We have some inexperience out there because of the number of injuries we’re dealing with. That group of young players, we’re going to be playing with for years to come. They need those snaps, they need to move the chains, they need touchdowns, they need success on that field.”
Building for 2025 and Beyond
For Jones, the future isn’t about securing a few extra spots in the draft order but about building a foundation of young players who are tested by adversity. “They need those snaps,” Jones said, underscoring the importance of real-game experience for Dallas’ future success.
By allowing younger players to play in meaningful games and pushing for victories, even with a season that’s already slipping away, Dallas can set the stage for future success. When veterans depart, the confidence and experience gained by the younger players will be critical in 2025 when the team looks to reload and return to championship contention.
While the idea of tanking may offer a temporary path to a higher draft pick, it’s a strategy that could harm the Cowboys’ long-term prospects more than it helps. By prioritizing player development and pushing for wins, even in a lost season, Dallas can ensure that its young players are ready to contribute when the team returns to full health. In the end, fostering a winning culture and keeping confidence high will be more valuable than a few extra draft spots.
