The Dallas Cowboys may not be done adding to their defense. Even after trading for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the front office appears focused on finding more help for a pass rush that has yet to consistently impact opposing quarterbacks. Both Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones addressed the issue during their weekly appearances on 105.3 The Fan, and neither sounded fully satisfied with the current state of the pass rush. When asked about making another move, Stephen Jones gave a familiar response:
"We're always looking to get better. If we can find an opportunity to get better, we'll certainly look at that opportunity. At the same time, I think we've got a chance to get better with what we have on this football team, which is encouraging as well.
No, we'd never rule out improving our team, whether it's pressure or whatever it is."
Cowboys fans have heard similar comments before. However, the tone carries more weight after Dallas traded for Porter Jr. and reportedly pursued edge rusher Maxx Crosby during the offseason. With that in mind, it's worth looking at potential pass-rush targets who could become available. Rather than focusing on players from rebuilding or winless teams, these candidates come from clubs that have already shown some competitiveness. Those teams could still decide to add draft capital ahead of a talent-rich 2027 draft class or create opportunities for younger players by moving veteran contributors.
The Cowboys also have the financial flexibility to make a move. Following the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and another underwhelming performance from the pass rush, Dallas still has roughly $16 million in available cap space to pursue outside help.
Jerry Jones left the door open for that possibility after the game when asked about a possible trade, saying:
"Yes, because the future capital, but I wouldn't give it up for a player that didn't have some future, or the potential of future that you could add years to…"
With a possible trade to fix this defense on the mind of Dallas' owner, and with the Cowboys' coaching staff searching for answers up front, here are a few edge rushers Jones could target.
Indianapolis Colts - Laiatu Latu
Career Stats: 13.5 sacks / 112 total pressures with a baseline pass rush win rate of 18.2%
The idea of Laiatu Latu becoming available still feels unlikely, but the NFL has taught us that every player has a price. The Indianapolis Colts have invested heavily throughout their roster and will eventually face tough financial decisions. If another team offers premium draft capital, Indianapolis could consider whether reallocating resources makes more sense than committing future money to another edge rusher.
For Dallas, the appeal is easy to see. Latu is a young pass rusher whose best football still appears to be ahead of him. His technical polish, hand usage, and ability to win off the edge would complement Micah Parsons immediately. Opposing offenses would have a difficult time sliding protection toward both players, creating favorable matchups across the front.
Cap outlook: Dallas could absorb his contract without difficulty because Latu remains on his rookie deal. The challenge would be the draft compensation, not the salary.
New York Jets - Will McDonald
Career Stats: 22.5 sacks / 124 total pressures with a baseline pass rush win rate of 15.5%
Among the realistic trade candidates, Will McDonald IV may be one of the most intriguing. The New York Jets have added competition to their edge room and still face questions about McDonald's long-term future despite exercising his fifth-year option. If New York decides it would rather commit resources elsewhere, calls from interested teams could become difficult to ignore.
Dallas would be betting on traits and upside. McDonald possesses elite get-off and closing speed, traits the Cowboys have historically valued. Playing opposite Parsons could create the most favorable pass-rush opportunities of his career. He would not need to carry the pass rush by himself. He would simply need to win the one-on-ones Parsons creates.
Cap outlook: Very manageable. McDonald remains affordable and would not require Dallas to restructure half the roster to make a trade work.
Las Vegas Raiders - Kwity Paye
Career Stats: 32.5 sacks / 195 total pressures with a baseline pass rush win rate of 11.5%
The Las Vegas Raiders brought in Kwity Paye expecting a dependable starter, but if the season heads in the wrong direction, veteran contracts become easier to move. Paye has developed into a solid NFL player, but he has not consistently produced as a high-end pass rusher. That could make him more available than some of the bigger names on the market.
For Dallas, Paye's value is about balance. He plays the run well, sets a strong edge, and brings stability to a defensive front that can occasionally become too dependent on speed rushers. He may never be a 15-sack player, but he would help clean up one of the defense's weaker areas while benefiting from the attention Parsons commands.
Cap outlook: More expensive than Latu or McDonald, but still workable. Dallas would need to view him as a full-time starter rather than a rotational piece.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Alex Highsmith
Career Stats: 48 sacks / 196 total pressures with a baseline pass rush win rate of 17.5%
If Dallas is looking for the biggest immediate upgrade, Alex Highsmith belongs near the top of the list. The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested heavily at edge rusher and have younger players emerging behind him. While Pittsburgh values Highsmith, roster construction and future cap planning could eventually force difficult decisions. Some Steelers observers have already identified him as a logical future trade candidate because of the team's depth.
Highsmith brings exactly what Dallas would want opposite Parsons: proven production, reliable run defense, and three-down value. There is no projection involved. He has already shown he can be an impact defender on a playoff-caliber team. Pairing him with Parsons would give the Cowboys one of the NFL's better pass-rushing duos immediately.
Cap outlook: This is the most difficult contract on the list. Dallas can make the money work, but it would require a significant commitment and likely some cap management elsewhere on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 4 Cowboys trade targets at edge after S. Jones says 'Never rule it out'
