(Editor's note: The content provided is based on the opinions and perspectives of the DallasCowboys.com editorial staff and not the opinions of the Cowboys football staff or organization.)
Frisco, Texas — When you look at how the Dallas Cowboys have fared during the Dan Quinn era, you can see two things right off the page. It's the ability to not only put pressure on the opposing quarterback but also steal the ball. And that's largely due to the fact that there are lions roaming the meadows of North Texas.
But the impact could spill over into impending roster changes as Quinn departs for his duties as head coach of the Washington Commanders, and the defensive line is not immune.
Knowing where you're going means knowing where you've come from. So let's take a look at whether this version of the Cowboys' pass rush corps is close or far from its legendary predecessor. And what changes are likely to occur in the coming months.
past: The Dallas defensive end/outside linebacker has a lot to live up to, to say the least. In an organization that boasts a long list of Hall of Famers and Ring of Honor players at the position, you can't help but look at Frisco's former players without seeing the names or photos of former players who are drawing legitimate critical scrutiny, such as Bob Lilly. It is impossible to walk the halls of The Star. That's not the end.
After all, Charles Haley literally still roams the building, touring the practice field, hoping to push defensive linemen, rookies and veterans alike, to heights they probably never imagined they were capable of. and apply their own advice and criticism. of reaching.
You can also occasionally see legendary outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware strolling around the grounds. He himself will be inducted into the Immortal Hall of Fame in 2023.
All of this is a constant reminder of what the Cowboys' standard is as a pass rusher, and while it's unclear what the final story will be for the current group, it's as if this unit is just It feels like a major player (or breakout for the Cowboys). Another active player) is away from taking the next and final step that would please countless great players before him.
the current: Admit it, you probably didn't like the decision to use yet another first-round pick on an off-ball linebacker, especially a top-15 selection.
Fast forward to today, and the player is currently the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, a Butkus Award winner, with a career that boasts 89 quarterback hits, 51 tackles for loss, three Pro Bowl appearances, and an All-Pro selection. He has won three times. He has 40.5 sacks for loss (besting Lawrence Taylor (37.5) and third in NFL history through his first 50 games). And Micah Parsons' name rings a bell in every football heart.
For DeMarcus Lawrence, playing opposite Parsons is a future Ring of Honor talking point. He continues to play at an elite level, especially as a run-stopper, but is probably disrespected for not being a first-ballot selection in this year's Pro Bowl. Parsons and Lawrence provide great bookends for the Cowboys offensive line, but they aren't the only ones getting the job done.
Criminally underrated by many fans and analysts, Dorrance Armstrong has improved every season since joining the club as a fourth-round pick out of Kansas in 2018. And despite having to do so for three different defensive coordinators in just six years. He's a glue guy who can rush effectively from both the weak and strong sides, and his 21 combined sacks in his past three seasons speaks to that point.
Additional support arrives with the signing of Dante Fowler in 2022, with his immediate effect signing the former first-round pick to a second one-year deal, giving Sam Williams a match on par with previous players. I was given time to develop my raw skill set.
However, depth issues are starting to emerge behind Williams, with rookie fourth-round pick Viliami “Junior” Fehoko showing promise but not making the active roster once in 2023. It wasn't enough, and he was placed on the list of missing players from weekly trips, and was placed on injured reserve in 2019. 1.
And given Dallas' current contract situation, Edge's depth becomes an even bigger question mark going forward.
future: Parsons is eligible to begin contract negotiations with the Cowboys this offseason, but given that a deal with CeeDee Lamb will have to be agreed to sooner rather than later, the club will exercise his fifth-year option. Maybe you could just give him some time before meeting with him about this. But no matter when negotiations begin, Parsons would need to be the highest-paid player in NFL history to keep him in a Cowboys uniform.
But let's put the pin down on that for now and focus on more pressing contractual (and serious) concerns.
Armstrong isn't the flashiest player, but as mentioned, he's one of the best among the group of pass rushers, which in itself makes him one of the best players in the NFL, and he'll be unrestricted in March. He is scheduled to become a free agent. Unless a new deal is struck by then. If that happens, it would be Armstrong's second contract extension, but it would be a valuable one given the rotational implications of the next defensive coordinator in Dallas.
And can you guess who else is in immediate contract talks? If you said Lawrence, that's spot on, but honestly, it should evoke a little anxiety. That's not because I don't believe the Cowboys are wise enough to let him walk, but rather because of how many unpleasant contract negotiations with him have gone in the past.
Ultimately, though, owner and general manager Jerry Jones made sure to get the deal done every time, so there's hope, at least on my part, that history repeats itself.
It's safe to say that both Armstrong and Lawrence should be prioritized to re-sign this offseason, especially until more data and footage is collected to determine Fehoko's future role. do not have.
The latter is also true for other young players entering their second year, such as Darrell Johnson and Tyrus Wheat, but for my tastes, a young player at one of the most important positions in football is far too short. They're unproven players (as someone who would consider handing the keys to the other side of Parsons).
Did I mention that Fowler is also going to become an unrestricted free agent, and Dan Quinn isn't trying to keep him in Dallas this time around? In 2024, Quinn will likely seek a reunion with Fowler – this time in a manager's uniform.
This is something to seriously note.
The best move here would be the one I mentioned regarding Armstrong and Lawrence, adding another impact edge rusher in free agency (assuming it's not Fowler) and a 2024 The idea is to acquire another body at some point in the NFL Draft and then lift an entire branch of Wells Fargo. Remove the foundation and place it in the trunk of Parsons' truck.
If you neglect something, you will be taking a step in the wrong direction, and the only step you can afford will be the season that moves you forward.
