The Dallas Cowboys have spent the entire offseason rebuilding their defense. The front office has added veterans and draft picks across the roster and appointed defensive coordinator Christian Parker in January.

But one major question remains: Can the Cowboys generate enough pass rush without a true superstar edge rusher? According to a report by Inside The Star, the Cowboys' inability to consistently pressure quarterbacks was the biggest defensive issue last season.

The problem arose when Jadeveon Clowney, who led the team with 8.5 sacks in 2025, departed during the offseason. Dallas acquired former Pro Bowler Rashan Gary and drafted Malachi Lawrence to fill that gap.

Gary enters the season as the most reliable option after recording 7.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 60 pressures last season. Second-year edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku will also be back this season, having recovered from last year's hip injury.  

The Cowboys are hoping that a group effort can replace elite individual production.

"Some of the best pass-rushing teams I know we've faced don't necessarily have one guy," head coach Brian Schottenheimer said recently. "It's easier to shut one guy down."

That philosophy will be tested quickly once the regular season begins. With just 35 sacks, Dallas tied for 24th in the 2025 NFL season.

What's left to see is whether the younger pass rushers can work with Gary to realize Christian Parker's defense this season.

Can Dallas' Young Edge Rushers Grow Up Fast Enough?

After not signing a superstar edge rusher, the focus now shifts to youngsters Donovan Ezeiruaku and rookie Malachi Lawrence.

Ezeiruaku, who enters his second season, will play a crucial role for the Cowboys. And Lawrence, one of Dallas' top defensive selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, will be a part of the edge rotation from Day 1.

The pressure is now on the younger group. Dallas will hope that Ezeiruaku and Lawrence become reliable contributors early in the season. 

Their potential will be important as Parker shifts to a new defensive scheme. The Cowboys are moving toward a heavier 3-4 front built around Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and a rotating group of edge rushers.

Sam Williams also returns after recording a 10.7 percent career pressure rate. However, the Cowboys see him as more of a rotational piece. Behind him, James Houston, much of whose career was affected by injuries, also remains as a backup option.

Cowboys HC Schottenheimer believes that depending on one player can cost the team. The team's goal is to create pressure through scheme and depth rather than depending on one player.

As they revamped their defensive unit, it will be interesting to watch how the young pass rushers take the next step. 

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit