The Dallas Cowboys made several major defensive moves after trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last year. Jerry Jones now says that deal helped push the organization toward a more aggressive approach.

Speaking to the reporters on the trade's first anniversary, Jones reflected on what changed after Dallas moved its star pass rusher. The Cowboys received Kenny Clark in the deal. They also picked up first-round selections in 2026 and 2027, along with more salary-cap flexibility.

“There's no question that our activities, what we brought on what we've traded for, there's no question that it created an energy, a momentum to go use the consideration that we got from both the cap and the picks, and so that's caused it to be more aggressive,” said Jones.

The Cowboys have used those resources to reshape a defense that struggled badly without Parsons. Dallas allowed an NFL-high 30.1 points per game last season and has since added players such as Rashan Gary, Quinnen Williams and Von Miller.

Speaking to DLLS Cowboys' Clarence Hill Jr. on August 29, Jones said the Parsons trade also influenced the type of defensive players Dallas wanted to add. The Cowboys focused on improving their interior pass rush and run defense rather than simply trying to replace Parsons with another edge rusher.

Christian Parker now leads the defense after replacing Matt Eberflus as coordinator. Jones said the Parsons trade helped create the mindset behind the changes Dallas made up front.

The Cowboys used the 2026 pick on UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. They later packaged the 2027 selection in the deal for Williams.

Jones isn't finished looking for ways to improve the roster, either.

Cowboys waive Jaydon Blue in surprise roster move

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Dallas waived running back Jaydon Blue on Sunday. Blue had been competing for the No. 2 running back role behind Javonte Williams.

"Source: Cowboys are waiving RB Jaydon Blue," Schefter wrote on X on August 31.

The move is a surprise after Blue received regular praise during the offseason. Schottenheimer said the second-year running back returned with a different mentality and had improved in areas such as pass protection and the return game.

Blue's explosiveness and receiving ability gave him a path to the roster, but his physicality as a runner remained a concern.

Malik Davis made a late push during the preseason and now appears positioned for the RB2 job.

Dallas also reportedly waived Phil Mafah. The Cowboys finished the preseason 2-1 and will open the regular season against the New York Giants on September 13.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey