The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads. With star edge rusher Micah Parsons no longer anchoring their defensive front, the team is banking on a crop of young, unproven talent to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While the Cowboys’ depth chart brims with potential, it lacks the seasoned experience needed to consistently disrupt offenses in the high-stakes world of the NFL. One prominent analyst believes this gamble could prove costly—and he’s urging Dallas to act fast by targeting a proven pass-rushing star from the Miami Dolphins.
SI.com’s Gilberto Manzano argues that the Cowboys, led by their 32-year-old quarterback Dak Prescott, can’t afford to rely solely on their inexperienced edge rushers. Instead, he suggests they make a bold move by calling the Dolphins to inquire about either Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb—two players who could transform Dallas’ defensive front.
“Dallas now needs to go bargain hunting to build depth on the defensive front, while also fixing the run defense without diminishing the production on the edges,” Manzano wrote. “The Cowboys should be on the phone right now calling the Dolphins about Jaelan Phillips, who probably isn’t in Miami’s long-term plans after multiple injuries and the 2024 first-round draft selection of Chop Robinson. Heck, they should even ask about Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins could be willing to eat most of his 2025 salary for draft picks.”
Both Phillips and Chubb come with risks, primarily due to their injury histories. Chubb, a proven veteran, missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a devastating ACL tear late in 2023. Phillips, meanwhile, has faced even greater challenges. The talented pass rusher, who briefly stepped away from football during his college career, has been limited to just 12 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. Despite these concerns, both players possess the kind of game-changing ability that could elevate the Cowboys’ pass rush to elite status.
Manzano acknowledges the risks but argues the potential reward outweighs the cost. Both Phillips and Chubb have proven they can get after the quarterback when healthy, and they might be available for a relatively low price—potentially a late-round draft pick. For a Cowboys team aiming to compete in a loaded NFC, adding a player of their caliber could be the difference between a playoff run and an early exit.
For now, Dallas seems content to roll with their current group of young defensive ends, hoping their raw talent translates into on-field production. However, if the pass rush falters early in the season, the front office may have no choice but to heed Manzano’s advice and make a move. With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, the Cowboys can’t afford to roll the dice on inexperience for too long. A call to Miami might just be the game-changer they need.
