Defensive end should be priority No. 1 for the Cowboys this offseason

In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys defensive end rotation was loaded. Dan Quinn had a platoon to deploy with Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, Chauncey Golston, and Tyrus Wheat as their developmental rusher.

Heading into 2025, the only healthy players under contract are Micah Parsons and Marshawn Kneeland. That is a glowing, beaming, and screaming red light of a problem. Williams is still with the team but is recovering from his torn ACL, which he suffered in training camp. Dallas has recently become all too familiar with ACL recoveries, with Trevon Diggs, Terence Steele, and DeMarvion Overshown twice over. Fans should keep their expectations of Williams low until he can find his footing again.

Carl Lawson’s sack. Lines up in Houston and fights through a chip, but he’s able to create enough momentum that the LT has no chance to anchor or adequately combat Lawson’s long arm chop, especially with Lock drifting back in the pocket. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/1WwFrNbpH9

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) November 29, 2024

That leaves just Parsons and second-round pick Kneeland as the only two legitimate pass rushers and edge players. Lawrence, Golston, Wheat, and veteran Carl Lawson are all entering free agency.

Owner Jerry Jones seemed to signal Lawrence’s time in Dallas may not be over just yet, and Lawson indicated this week that he would also like to return to the Cowboys next season if they want him. There could be a world where both players return, and the depth looks much better heading into the draft.

However, Lawrence will be 33 next season, and Lawson will be 30. They need to add younger depth around Parsons and Kneeland, which could be a reason to bring back Golston on a front office patented two-year deal for a few million after he had a career season with 5.5 sacks.

Through two games–really like the early returns on Cowboys 2nd round DE Marshawn Kneeland (#94). Still putting it together as a rusher but already looks like a plus run defender. Strength + twitch really pops. pic.twitter.com/3WXPUzJS6g

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 18, 2024

The Cowboys can’t afford to re-sign all three players. They will need to address other key positions in free agency, too. The draft will allow them to replenish the position at an affordable price tag and provide more extended control under a rookie contract. It would be wise for Dallas to re-sign two of the three. Considering their history with the team, Lawrence and Golston seem like a logical duo.

However, Lawson could be the better choice to pair with Golston, not only from a health standpoint, but also because his price tag could be lower than what someone of Lawrence’s status might command. Lawson also had a bounce-back year after his time with the New York Jets, recording five sacks despite being a rotational player at the start of the year.

Regardless of who coaches the defense in 2025, that coach needs a rotation of players who can rush the passer and get to the quarterback on any given down. The defensive line was at its best when Parsons and Lawrence could leave the field for a few plays, and Armstrong and Fowler would come in and be just as productive. Parsons and Kneeland need help. The Cowboys have free agency and the NFL draft to figure out how to solve this problem.