The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 season with a major defensive dilemma. After failing to reach a long-term contract extension with star linebacker Micah Parsons, the franchise opted to move forward without its most dynamic defensive weapon.
Parsons‘ exit left more than just a leadership gap – it removed the centerpiece of a pass rush that once ranked among the NFL’s most feared.
The numbers from last season underline the concern. Without Parsons consistently collapsing pockets and forcing hurried throws, Dallas lacked a true finisher on the edge. No defender recorded double-digit sacks, a stark contrast to the production the team had grown accustomed to during Parsons‘ tenure. For a defense built on speed and disruption, that absence was glaring.
According to reporting from Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer, owner Jerry Jones is exploring bold solutions to restore that lost pressure. At the top of the wish list is Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Crosby has built a reputation as one of the league’s most relentless edge defenders. His combination of stamina, technique, and physicality makes him a nightmare matchup for offensive tackles. Acquiring him would immediately reestablish Dallas as a team capable of dictating tempo defensively.
However, such a move would not come cheaply. The Raiders would likely demand premium draft picks or key contributors in return, making any deal complex and potentially risky.
Contingency plan with long-term appeal
If trade talks for Crosby fail to materialize, Dallas appears to have a calculated backup strategy. Breer has identified Jaelan Phillips – who spent part of the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Eagles – as a viable alternative.
Phillips entered the league as a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft with the Miami Dolphins and quickly demonstrated his upside, posting 8.5 sacks in his rookie campaign. While he hasn’t yet reached the elite tier occupied by Crosby, Phillips remains a young and ascending talent.
His experience in multiple defensive systems, including his recent time under Eagles defensive coordinator Christian Parker, could ease his transition into Dallas’ scheme.
Unlike a blockbuster trade, signing Phillips in free agency would preserve valuable draft capital while still addressing the team’s most pressing need. Financially, it would likely be a more flexible option, allowing Dallas to reinforce other areas of the roster as well.
For Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office, the path forward is clear: revitalize the pass rush without compromising the team’s long-term stability. Whether through a splashy trade for Crosby or a strategic signing like Phillips, Dallas understands that reclaiming defensive dominance starts at the edge.
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