The Dallas Cowboys made a statement when they traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Owner Jerry Jones insisted the team would improve long-term without their former All-Pro.
The Cowboys added former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark to bolster their defense. Clark excels at stopping the run but doesn’t provide the pass-rushing threat Dallas lost.
Dallas sits 1-1 since the trade following a win over the New York Giants. The absence of their former Penn State star is becoming apparent.
Cowboys Insider Questions Edge Rush Depth
Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus expressed concerns about Dallas’ pass rush heading into their matchup against the Chicago Bears. He suggested the team may have overestimated their edge depth when considering the Parsons trade.
“I just wonder if the Cowboys overevaluated the edges. I misevaluated these edges at least in the first two weeks of the season…It just scares me a little bit that maybe Dallas doesn’t have as good a pass rush as I wanted to believe.”
The Cowboys knew their pass rush would change without Parsons. Jones and the front office likely expected younger players to step up in expanded roles.
James Houston and Marshawn Kneeland have each recorded one sack through two games. Beyond that, Cowboys pass rushers have been quiet.
2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku hasn’t made a significant impact yet. Veteran Sam Williams has also been relatively quiet.
Parsons drew constant attention from opposing offenses during his time in Dallas. That attention freed up rushing lanes for other pass rushers.
The Cowboys recognized their weakness and signed veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal.
Clowney won’t replace what Parsons brought to the defense. It’s still a move in the right direction for Dallas.
