ESPN’s latest NFL edge rusher rankings have placed former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons at No. 2 behind Myles Garrett, highlighting what the Cowboys lost by moving on from the star pass rusher. 

"Parsons is so good on the field that he jumped a spot in the ranking despite suffering an ACL tear in December. The tape is that good," Jeremy Fowler of ESPN wrote on July 8.

Every year, Fowler surveys NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the league's top edge rushers. The ranking also showed that none of the Cowboys’ current edge rushers were mentioned on the list, but Parsons never misses it. 

“There are two guys that never really get blocked in the NFL, and it’s those two guys -- Myles and Micah,” an NFL coordinator said, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “You do what you can with movements and quick game, and it’s not enough.” 

Fowler noted that the three-time All-Pro is one of only five players in NFL history to record at least 65 sacks through his first five seasons. The group also includes T.J. Watt, J.J. Watt, Derrick Thomas, and Reggie White. 

Adding to his impressive start, Parsons is the only player in NFL history to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first five seasons.

Yet, Dallas decided to trade Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

The Cowboys have a few young options at the edge rusher position, but none have reached Parsons’ level yet. Malachi Lawrence has yet to play an NFL snap, while Donovan Ezeiruaku is still in the early stages of his career. 

Rashan Gary adds experience, but expecting him to replicate Parsons' historic production leaves Dallas still searching for a player who can match Parsons’ production. 

The Cowboys' pass rush will remain under the spotlight until it proves it can match the production Parsons delivered in Dallas. 

Replacing Micah Parsons won’t be easy for the Cowboys

Micah Parsons has continued to prove his value after joining the Green Bay Packers. It also highlights how difficult it has been for Dallas to replace one of the NFL's top defensive players. 

What league coaches and front-office members had to say about Parsons made his ranking even more notable.

“Elite burst and closing speed to make plays,” one veteran defensive coach said, per Fowler. “[He] has the most rush versatility of the group. Consistently wins over centers and guards and tackles, it doesn't matter where he is.” 

That is why Parsons continues to be ranked among the best edge rushers in the NFL. At 27 years old, he has already built an impressive resume and remains one of the league’s most consistent pass rushers. 

Dallas will look for answers with its current defensive group, but finding another player with Parsons’ impact will not be easy. Now, all eyes are on who becomes the Cowboys’ next defensive star.

Do you think the Cowboys can replace Micah Parsons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore