ESPN points out a key question surrounding Cowboys roster and it sets them up to make a big move before training camp
The Cowboys did a really good job of adding to the defense during the offseason, but there is one key question that should lead toward another move around the time training camp begins.
The Dallas Cowboys have done a very good job of positioning themselves as playoff contenders after a solid offseason.
The Cowboys used the offseason to revamp what was one of the NFL’s worst units in 2025 under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Based on what we know from the Philadelphia Eagles, Parker’s defense is likely to involve a strong rotation of defensive linemen and pass rushers. It’s an important trait that’s needed in order for the Cowboys defense to raise its ceiling.
Therefore, it’s safe to say there are questions surrounding the Cowboys’ pass rush, particularly at EDGE, as ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recently pointed out:
“… Edge rusher is a position that isn’t a hole, per se, but definitely has questions.
“Rashan Gary, acquired from Green Bay, didn’t have a sack in the final 10 games of last season. Donovan Ezeiruaku is coming off hip surgery and has been limited in the offseason. Sam Williams had just one sack in 2025. James Houston had 5.5 sacks but couldn’t play against the run. Marist Liufau is moving to the edge but hasn’t played the position before.
“And first-rounder Malachi Lawrence is a promising rookie, but he’s still a rookie.”
Aaron schatz
ESPN
Schatz raises solid points. Gary has been productive throughout his career, but he’s never fully reached the heights envisioned when he was taken 12th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. For instance, Gary has never recorded a double-digit sack season.
On top of the hip surgery, Ezeiruaku amassed just 2.0 sacks last year. And, as Schatz points out, there are various issues with the other guys on the roster, as well.
The good news for the Cowboys is there are still viable free agent options on the market. So, let’s take a look at some of those names.
Which veteran free agent pass rushers make sense for the Cowboys?
1. Joey Bosa
You don’t want Bosa as a starter/heavy contributor at this point in his career, but he’d make a fine rotational guy.
Bosa registered 5.0 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 16 QB hits and a league-best five forced fumbles with the Buffalo Bills, last year. He can line up with his hand in the dirt or rush from a two-point stance, which is enticing for Parker’s defense.
The two biggest concerns with Bosa are salary and injury history. He played 15 games last year, but hasn’t played a full season since 2019 and typically misses a certain stretch of games during the regular season. Contractually speaking, the Cowboys can sign him to a one-year deal laden with incentives to help mitigate risks.
2. Von Miller
Miller is certainly up there in age, but he was able to record a team-leading 9.0 sacks, and, 15 QB hits with the Washington Commanders last year. He managed to do that despite playing just 37% of defensive snaps, which is pretty impressive.
Like Bosa, Miller’s endured injuries in recent years that have caused him to miss games. But the former Super Bowl MVP clearly has plenty of gas left in the tank and can come in and provide quality snaps on obvious passing downs. Cost shouldn’t be too much of a factor, as Miller made a little more than $6 million in 2025.
3. Cameron Jordan
I know, I know. Another 30+ year-old vet on this list. But Jordan endured a bit of a career resurgence last year and added an extra element to his game by playing more as a stand-up pass rusher in 2025.
Jordan finished the year with 10.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 15 QB hits on 54% of defensive snaps. He was also pretty good against the run, giving him added value.
Jordan is a boisterous guy, but his teammates have always loved him and he does incorporate his leadership abilities in the locker room. He may be the most intriguing guy on this list, honestly.
4. Kyle Van Noy
Van Noy is coming off a disappointing 2.0 sack campaign, but is just two seasons removed from a 12.5 sack season with the Baltimore Ravens.
He recently said in an interview with Kay Adams that he’s the most motivated he’s ever been in his career. A two-time Super Bowl champ, with 57.0 career sacks, heading into an offseason where he’s as motivated as ever?
I don’t care what he did, last year. Van Noy can still get it done and he’ll do everything in his power to ensure it happens. That’s a gamble worth rolling the dice on, every day.
Of these guys, Bosa is the only one who made eight figures in 2025. Everyone else either made between $4-$7 million in salary. Meaning, the Cowboys can certainly afford these guys if they wanted to bring one in.
The Cowboys will likely have to wait until training camp before these guys are ready to sign up. At this point, they all know how to take care of their bodies and they can pick up an NFL playbook rather quickly. There’s also the likelihood of one joining up after an inevitable, major injury happens to a team’s pass rusher.
We’ll see what happens.