One potential replacement for Cowboys EDGE Randy Gregory
2021 was an elite year for the Dallas Cowboys pass rush. Headlined by rookie Micah Parsons, the unit finished third in pressures (188) and fourth in pressure rate (27.6). As the season progressed, the team got to see what their full-fledged trio of Parsons, Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence could do. Albeit, it was over […]
2021 was an elite year for the Dallas Cowboys pass rush. Headlined by rookie Micah Parsons, the unit finished third in pressures (188) and fourth in pressure rate (27.6).
As the season progressed, the team got to see what their full-fledged trio of Parsons, Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence could do. Albeit, it was over a short amount of time. Lawrence missed 10 games with a broken foot and Gregory missed four games with a calf injury. The three only played six games together.
Lawrence could be gone and Gregory's return is promising but not secure. The other Dallas Cowboys edge rushers provide quality depth, but lack the same impact.
On top of them, Dorance Armstrong Jr. had a career year, with 5.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss. He might be a favorite of Jerry Jones, but his breakout year may price him out of Dallas.
Parsons is only a part-time edge, and the only pass rushers on the team are Tarell Basham and Chauncey Golston. The edge position has gone from the deepest it's been in years to bottom-heavy.
In Emmanuel Ogbah's case, his career is that of an edge-for-hire, evidenced by stops in Cleveland, Kansas City and Miami. He's a versatile edge defender who's played as both a 3-4 outside linebacker and a 4-3 defensive end.
While he's never been a Pro Bowl-type edge, Ogbah is still one of the more underrated and well-rounded ends. His ability to apply consistent pressure takes pressure off players like Jerome Baker or Jaelen Phillips during blitzes.
The good news is everywhere he goes, he produces. Most recently, Ogbah played on a two-year $15 million deal with the Dolphins. He posted 18 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, leading the team in both categories during his tenure.
Free agency should be kind to Ogbah in 2022. His market is likely to increase from his $7.5 million per year price tag to between $10-$12 million per year.
Dallas doesn't usually spend big in free agency. However, they are a team that values edge rushers, and pays them well.
If the Cowboys decide to move on from Lawrence and are able to retain extra cap space, Ogbah could be a realistic option. Stephen Jones has made it clear that if there's a deal they can't pass up, they'll take it.
Depending on Ogbah's true market value, he could be Dallas's next Robert Quinn-type addition. And his addition would be one that ensures the pass rush doesn't miss a beat.
Featured image via-Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
