The hunt for the Dallas Cowboys’ next edge rusher has begun. The Cowboys watched the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes pass them by like a blur, and now all eyes have shifted toward Trey Hendrickson as the shiny new toy in the display window. While Hendrickson would look fantastic with a star on his helmet, his price tag might require Jerry Jones to write more zeros than he’s used to in free agency. If the Cowboys aren’t willing to be the highest bidder for Hendrickson, then they may need to have a backup
plan to their backup plan.
Before we can compile a list of contingencies, it’s good to get a sense of what the team is looking for. The Cowboys’ new coaching regime has a very specific blueprint for who gets to hunt quarterbacks. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker is looking for high-IQ players who can switch roles without breaking a sweat, valuing intelligence and versatility above all else. Down in the trenches, defensive line coach Marcus Dixon wants high-energy disruptors who view a one-on-one matchup as a personal insult they must settle immediately. To round it out, outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe is hunting for stand-up athletes with the mental toughness to juggle multiple responsibilities in a complex system.
Now that we know the requirements, who are some free agents who check off these boxes? Let’s run through five players, with each of them having a different level of strain on Jerry’s checkbook.
Odafe Oweh
Oweh stands out as a great candidate because he is the definition of a physical freak with the scheme flexibility that Uzo-Diribe craves. With his elite speed and a relentless motor that led to high-pressure rates in Baltimore, Oweh has shown he can thrive in various looks and alignments. His experience playing in aggressive, multi-front systems makes him a perfect chess piece for a coordinator who likes to move his players around like a frantic grandmaster. He is the kind of player who can line up in three different spots and still find his way to the quarterback.
Jaelen Phillips
Phillips represents a plug-and-play option primarily because he already speaks the language of Parker from their time together in Philadelphia. Phillips possesses an elite explosive first step and impressive ankle bend to slip around the edge smoothly. He also has great length to shed blocks and set a hard edge, making him an asset against the run. Since he already understands the nuances of Parker’s defensive philosophy, the learning curve would be virtually nonexistent.
Malcolm Koonce
Koonce is a name that has been gaining steam after a breakout period where he showed he could be a nightmare for opposing blockers. His ability to bend around the edge and his refined hand techniques allowed him to rack up sacks in bunches, proving he is more than just a rotational body. He provides the high-energy wins that Dixon demands, often turning a stalemated play into a highlight reel moment through sheer will. He plays with the kind of chip on his shoulder that suggests he is still mad about a game of tag he lost in the third grade.
Haason Reddick
Reddick is perhaps the most natural fit for the hybrid 3-4 outside linebacker role that this new staff wants to implement. A once consistent double-digit sack artist, Reddick is the prototype for a stand-up rusher who can drop into coverage just as easily as he can bury a quarterback. His age and recent performance will make him a more affordable option, but his bend, motor, and versatility provide a skillset that could be in play for a team that is looking for a veteran presence with some rebound upside.
Yetur Gross-Matos
Gross-Matos is a player who fits the versatility requirement to a tee. He has the size to hold his own against the run but enough twitch to move outside and challenge the edge, making him a valuable asset for a team that loves to disguise its intentions. His versatility allows the coaching staff to get creative with sub packages without having to sub out their best athletes. He has great length, power, and relentless pursuit that could intrigue the new coaching staff. He is the defensive equivalent of a spork, surprisingly effective at everything and much more intimidating than he sounds on paper.
Verdict…
The Cowboys have a wide variety of paths they can take this offseason, ranging from high-priced superstars to high upside bargains. The ultimate goal is not just to spend money, but to invest in the specific traits that Parker, Dixon, and Uzo Diribe need to make this defense strong. If they can land a player who combines mental toughness with a relentless motor, the Cowboys’ pass rush can once again be a problem for everyone else in the league.
