The Dallas Cowboys are facing a crucial offseason in 2025, with their defense desperate to rebound from a shocking slide to 28th in the NFL last season. Despite their struggles, the Cowboys’ pass rush remained a bright spot, ranking third league-wide with 52 sacks, led by superstar Micah Parsons. However, with key contributors like Chauncey Golston and DeMarcus Lawrence departing in free agency, some fans and analysts have floated the idea of signing future Hall of Famer Von Miller, a veteran edge rusher from the Buffalo Bills, to bolster the line. Yet, Fox Sports’ David Helman, speaking on 105.3 The Fan, strongly advises against this move, citing Dallas’ recent additions and Miller’s age and injury concerns. Is Miller the missing piece for the Cowboys’ defense, or should they trust their current roster to reclaim their elite status? Let’s dive into the case for and against signing Miller, the state of Dallas’ pass rush, and what this decision means for the Cowboys’ future.
The Cowboys’ Defensive Woes and Pass Rush Strength
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense took a dramatic step backward in 2024, plummeting from fifth in the NFL in 2023 to a dismal 28th overall, per NFL.com. This collapse exposed weaknesses in run defense and coverage, putting pressure on owner Jerry Jones and the front office to rebuild a unit that once anchored the team’s success. However, one area where Dallas excelled was their pass rush, which racked up 52 sacks—third-best in the league. Micah Parsons, a perennial All-Pro, led the charge with 12.5 sacks, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents.
Despite this strength, the Cowboys face challenges heading into 2025. Parsons was the only player to reach double-digit sacks, and the team lost significant depth with Chauncey Golston (5.5 sacks, now with the New York Giants) and DeMarcus Lawrence (free agency) departing. This has sparked debate about whether Dallas needs a veteran pass rusher to complement Parsons and maintain their edge-rushing dominance. Von Miller, a two-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer, emerged as a potential target due to his experience and pedigree, but not everyone is convinced he’s the right fit.
The Case for Von Miller: A Veteran Boost?
At first glance, Von Miller seems like an intriguing option for the Cowboys. The 36-year-old edge rusher, who played for the Buffalo Bills in 2024, brings a resume that includes 126.5 career sacks, eight Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl MVP award with the Denver Broncos in 2016. Even in a reduced role last season, Miller contributed 5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits in 12 games, per Pro Football Reference, showing he can still disrupt offenses. His veteran presence could mentor young players like Parsons and provide leadership for a defense looking to regain its swagger.
Miller’s familiarity with high-pressure environments and his ability to perform in clutch moments make him appealing for a Cowboys team aiming to return to playoff contention. Additionally, his projected market value—a one-year deal around $6-8 million, per Spotrac—wouldn’t break the bank for Dallas, which has roughly $20 million in cap space for 2025, per OverTheCap. For a team that struggled to generate consistent pressure beyond Parsons, Miller could offer a proven, short-term solution to keep the pass rush elite while younger players develop.
Why David Helman Says No to Miller
Despite Miller’s credentials, Fox Sports analyst David Helman argues that the Cowboys should steer clear. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Helman dismissed the idea, saying, “At his age, with his injury, not really. Between what they did with Dante Fowler and then drafting Donovan Ezeiruaku, I feel pretty good about the edge rushers on the Cowboys roster, so [Miller] doesn’t do a whole lot for me.” Helman’s skepticism is rooted in both Miller’s recent performance and Dallas’ proactive moves to address their pass rush.
Miller’s age (36) and injury history are significant red flags. A torn ACL in 2022 limited his effectiveness, and while he bounced back in 2024, he’s no longer the dominant force he was in his prime. His snap count in Buffalo was managed carefully (42% of defensive snaps), suggesting durability concerns that could worsen in Dallas’ high-intensity scheme under coordinator Mike Zimmer. For a team already investing heavily in Parsons’ $21 million cap hit, adding an aging veteran with injury risks might not justify the cost, even at a discount.
Helman’s confidence stems from Dallas’ offseason moves. The Cowboys re-signed Dante Fowler, a familiar face who recorded 10.5 sacks with the Washington Commanders in 2024, for his second stint with the team. They also drafted Boston College standout Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round, a dynamic edge rusher who amassed 16.5 sacks in his final college season. With Parsons, Fowler, Ezeiruaku, breakout candidate DeMarvion Overshown, and a healthy Sam Williams (4.5 sacks in 2023 before injury), Dallas’ front seven looks reloaded. Helman believes this group can replicate or surpass last season’s 52 sacks without relying on a veteran like Miller.
The Cowboys’ Pass Rush Outlook
The Cowboys’ pass rush is poised for success in 2025, even without Miller. Micah Parsons, at 26, remains the cornerstone, with his 12.5 sacks and 74 pressures in 2024 earning him another All-Pro nod, per Pro Football Focus. Dante Fowler’s return adds a proven veteran who thrives as a rotational rusher, and his familiarity with Dallas’ system ensures a seamless fit. Donovan Ezeiruaku, dubbed a “sack machine” at Boston College, brings raw athleticism and upside, with scouts comparing his burst to former Cowboy DeMarcus Ware. DeMarvion Overshown, a third-year linebacker, showed flashes of brilliance with 4 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024, positioning him as a breakout star. Sam Williams, fully recovered from a 2024 knee injury, adds depth and speed off the edge.
This group offers a blend of youth, experience, and versatility that aligns with Zimmer’s aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme. Dallas’ ability to generate pressure without Miller reduces the urgency to sign him, especially when cap space could be allocated to other needs, like cornerback depth or offensive line help for Dak Prescott. While Miller’s name carries weight, the Cowboys’ investments in Fowler and Ezeiruaku suggest they’re banking on internal growth over a high-profile veteran.
Risks and Rewards of Passing on Miller
Passing on Von Miller is a calculated risk for Dallas. The reward lies in trusting a younger, cheaper pass-rush unit to deliver under Zimmer’s guidance. Fowler and Ezeiruaku provide cost-effective production, and Overshown’s emergence could make the front seven one of the NFL’s best. By avoiding Miller’s contract, Dallas preserves cap flexibility for midseason moves or future extensions for Parsons and CeeDee Lamb. If this group gels, the Cowboys could climb back into the top 10 defensively, erasing the memory of 2024’s collapse.
However, the risk is that the pass rush falters without a veteran anchor. If Fowler regresses, Ezeiruaku struggles to adjust to the NFL, or injuries strike again, Dallas could regret not adding Miller’s experience. A lack of depth beyond Parsons was a problem in 2024, and while the current roster looks promising, it’s unproven as a cohesive unit. Still, Helman’s argument—that Miller’s impact wouldn’t justify the investment—holds weight given Dallas’ recent moves and Miller’s declining physical tools.
The Bigger Picture for Dallas
The Cowboys’ decision on Miller reflects broader questions about their 2025 strategy. After a disappointing 2024 season, Jerry Jones is under pressure to restore Dallas as a Super Bowl contender. The defense, once a strength, must rebound, and the pass rush is the foundation for that turnaround. By prioritizing Fowler, Ezeiruaku, and their young core, Dallas is betting on long-term growth over a short-term splash. This approach aligns with Jones’ recent comments about “building for the future” while keeping the team competitive, per The Dallas Morning News.
The Cowboys also face decisions beyond the defensive line. With Dak Prescott’s $40 million cap hit and CeeDee Lamb’s extension looming, cap management is critical. Passing on Miller frees up resources to address weaknesses at running back or safety, where Dallas ranked 24th in pass defense last season. If the pass rush thrives and Zimmer’s scheme clicks, Dallas could reclaim their status as an NFC powerhouse, making the Miller debate a footnote in a successful season.
The Dallas Cowboys stand at a crossroads, and the suggestion to sign Von Miller has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. While the future Hall of Famer’s experience and pass-rushing prowess are tempting, David Helman’s advice to avoid Miller makes sense given Dallas’ revamped front seven. With Micah Parsons leading the charge, Dante Fowler’s return, and Donovan Ezeiruaku’s upside, the Cowboys have the pieces to rebuild their defense without a 36-year-old veteran. As Jerry Jones navigates a pivotal offseason, trusting this young, hungry pass rush could set Dallas up for a playoff run. Cowboys Nation, what’s your take—should Dallas roll the dice on Von Miller, or stick with their current roster?