Entering the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys knew they would face challenges in rushing the passer. They traded away Micah Parsons, one of the league’s most premier pass rushers, and that left a big hole. The Cowboys had 52 sacks as a team in 2024 and that number plummeted to 35 the following season. While it was a welcome surprise that Jadeveon Clowney led the team in sacks with 8.5, it wasn’t ideal and speaks to the void left behind by Parsons’ departure from the team. It’s a problem the Cowboys have
to solve and there is still a lot of work left to do for the team. Along with Christian Parker now managing the defense, Dallas has brought in pass rush guru Brandon Jordan to assist in bolstering the pass rush efforts of the defense. Here’s who is on tap for the edge rushers in Dallas just weeks before the draft.
Donovan Ezeiruaku
When the Cowboys drafted Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round of last year’s draft, the team felt like it got a steal. Ezeiruaku came to Dallas as a long-armed edge rusher with a solid foundation of pass rush moves despite being such a young player. However, with Parsons traded away to the Green Bay Packers, it placed a lot of pressure on Ezeiruaku to grow up fast and be an instant impact player. As one would expect, it was a steep learning curve for the Boston College prospect and the sacks didn’t come in bunches. However, 26 pressures as a rookie isn’t too shabby, and entering the new year, Ezeiruaku should vastly improve. He could benefit greatly in the defense’s transition from a 4-3 to a blended 3-4.
Rashan Gary
The Cowboys and the Packers front offices sure do seem fond of one another. Less than a year after a blockbuster trade between the two clubs, the Cowboys made a deal with Green Bay to acquire Rashan Gary. Green Bay had initially planned on cutting Gary if no trade market emerged for his services, but the Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick next year for the veteran edge rusher. Gary has had a pretty good career with the Packers, tallying up 46.5 sacks in seven years in Green Bay (7.5 in each of the past two seasons) and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2024. Gary gives the Cowboys at the very least a capable starting edge defender with hopes of being an above-average performer. Gary only carries a $5.44M cap number in 2026 and $8.24M in 2027 giving the Cowboys plenty of cap flexibility. Hats off to the team for taking a possible high-return, low-risk investment.
James Houston
During the pre-season last season, James Houston stood out from the pack. Using an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage, Houston was putting good reps together during games and left an impression on the coaches. Last year, Houston, a five-year veteran, playing for his third team in as many seasons, made the team. He played in 12 games and had himself somewhat of a resurgent season getting 4.5 sacks. Expect Houston to resume his role as a rotational edge rusher with not too much of an increase in his workload.
Isaiah Land
When the Cowboys initially signed Land as an undrafted free agent, there was some belief that Land could emerge as a pass rush specialist. After all, he had 27 sacks in his final two years in college at Florida A&M and during training camp in 2023, he looked like he could sneak his way onto the roster. The Cowboys were hoping to get him back on the practice squad after he cleared waivers but the Indianapolis Colts swooped in and claimed him. In the years since, Land has only recorded one sack in his professional career. This summer he will start from scratch and look to find a role in Dallas’ new-look defense.
Marist Liufau
It is somewhat odd seeing Marist Liufau among the edge rushers. Entering his third year in the league, 2026 proves to be a pivotal year for Liufau. He wasn’t able to solidify himself in the rotation at linebacker in his first two seasons. Now, the team has completely changed course and is asking Liufau to take a stab at rushing the passer. It’s hasty to make such a stark change for a developing player. However, the team may believe they’ve gotten all they could from him in that role so switching to an edge rusher is best. Liufau doesn’t have much experience playing the role so he’ll have to develop fast. Brandon Jordan’s presence should also help Liufau develop more expediently in his new role. It’s anyone’s guess how this project turns out.
Tyrus Wheat
Tyrus Wheat returns for a second go-around in Dallas. Wheat first joined the Cowboys as an UDFA back in 2023 after finishing his college career at Mississippi State. He spent much of his time as a special teams player but he did get occasional run on the defense. Last year he was with the Lions, but now he’s back as a free agent hoping to make the roster.
