The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise known for bold moves and high expectations, face a critical juncture in their 2025 season. With star edge rusher Micah Parsons no longer on the roster, the team’s defensive front is at a crossroads. While the Cowboys boast a depth chart brimming with young talent, their lack of veteran experience on the edge has sparked debate about their pass-rushing capabilities. One NFL analyst, Gilberto Manzano of SI.com, argues that Dallas cannot afford to gamble on unproven players and should instead pursue a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire a premier pass rusher—either Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb.
A Gaping Hole in Dallas’ Defense
The departure of Micah Parsons has left a void in the Cowboys’ defense that cannot be overstated. Parsons, a generational talent, was the cornerstone of Dallas’ pass rush, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his speed, power, and versatility. Without him, the Cowboys are turning to a group of young, untested edge rushers who, while talented, lack the seasoning needed to anchor a defense in the high-stakes NFC East.
The Cowboys’ current stable of defensive ends includes promising names, but their inexperience could prove costly. As Manzano notes, “Dallas now needs to go bargain hunting to build depth on the defensive front, while also fixing the run defense without diminishing the production on the edges.” The team’s run defense, already a point of concern, could falter further if the pass rush fails to generate consistent pressure, allowing quarterbacks to exploit Dallas’ secondary.
The Miami Connection: Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb
Manzano’s solution? A phone call to the Miami Dolphins, a team with two elite edge rushers in Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, both of whom could be available for the right price. The Dolphins, in the midst of their own roster decisions, may be open to trading one of these players due to a combination of injuries, salary cap considerations, and the emergence of 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson.
Jaelan Phillips: High Risk, High Reward
Jaelan Phillips, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. His athleticism and relentless motor make him a natural fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. However, his injury history is a significant concern. Phillips has played in only 12 games over the past two seasons, and his brief retirement during his collegiate career raises questions about his long-term durability. Despite these red flags, Phillips’ ability to get after the quarterback—evidenced by his 6.5 sacks in 2022—makes him an enticing target for a Cowboys team desperate for a proven edge presence.
Manzano suggests that Phillips “probably isn’t in Miami’s long-term plans” due to his injury concerns and the Dolphins’ investment in Chop Robinson. For Dallas, acquiring Phillips could be a calculated gamble, potentially costing only a late-round draft pick. If he can stay healthy, Phillips could transform the Cowboys’ pass rush and provide the veteran leadership their young defensive ends need.
Bradley Chubb: A Proven Commodity with a Catch
Bradley Chubb, a former Pro Bowler, is another intriguing option. Chubb’s ability to dominate opposing offensive lines is well-documented, with 11 sacks in 2022 showcasing his disruptive potential. However, like Phillips, Chubb comes with injury concerns. He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering an ACL tear late in 2023, and his $20 million-plus salary in 2025 could complicate trade negotiations.
Manzano believes the Dolphins might be willing to “eat most of Chubb’s 2025 salary for draft picks,” making him a viable target for Dallas. For the Cowboys, Chubb represents a more established option than Phillips, but his age (30 in 2025) and recent injury history add an element of risk to any potential deal.
The Stakes for Dallas
The Cowboys, led by 32-year-old quarterback Dak Prescott, are in win-now mode. With Prescott’s prime years dwindling and the NFC East growing more competitive, Dallas cannot afford to field a subpar defense. The loss of Parsons has already weakened their pass rush, and relying solely on young talent could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.
A trade for Phillips or Chubb would signal the Cowboys’ commitment to contending in 2025. Both players, despite their injury histories, have the potential to elevate Dallas’ defense to elite status. However, the front office must weigh the risks of acquiring injury-prone players against the immediate need for a reliable pass rusher. As Manzano points out, “Either player would be a risk for Dallas due to injuries,” but their upside could outweigh the uncertainties.
The Alternative: Sticking with the Status Quo
Barring a disastrous start to the 2025 season, the Cowboys may opt to stick with their current roster. Their young edge rushers have shown promise in training camp, and head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed confidence in their ability to step up. Developing homegrown talent could save Dallas valuable draft capital and provide long-term stability on the edge.
However, this approach is not without its pitfalls. If the Cowboys’ pass rush struggles early in the season, opposing offenses will exploit their lack of experience, putting additional pressure on Prescott and the offense to carry the team. In a division featuring quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Daniel Jones, Dallas cannot afford to let games slip away due to defensive shortcomings.
A Defining Moment
The Cowboys’ pursuit of a premier pass rusher from the Miami Dolphins represents a defining moment for the franchise. A successful trade could solidify their defense and keep them in contention for a Super Bowl. Conversely, standing pat and banking on unproven talent could lead to another season of unmet expectations.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Dallas’ front office. Will they make the bold move to acquire Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb, or will they trust their young edge rushers to rise to the occasion? The answer could determine the trajectory of the Cowboys’ season—and their future.