How would you fix the edge position, draft, fa and trade market?

[Cowboyny]

We currently have 3 DE/Edge players under contract in Ez, Houston and Land. Clowney, Fowler, Sam Williams all are going to hit unrestricted free agency.

After listening to that podcast about our future scheme (footstheking), we need a stout run defending LE and a rotational move around pass rusher who can gives us 7-8 sack season. Let's forget about 3-4, 4-3 as they will be playing the traditional 4-2-5 nickel for the most of the time.

LE-resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense. He is a very balanced Edge who is good against the run and will give us some rush abilities. Probably going another player with a similar skillset for the rotation. This could come from the draft or fa. We have discussed Faulk from Auburn who would be a good fit for this position. Epenesa, Paye would be good fits as well as some other cheaper options. Think a player like former Cowboy Golston.

RE/OLB-Ez has that skill set to potentially play this move around pass rusher, where Houston is more of a rotational designation pass rusher. This is the area where they are going to have to sign a proven veteran or trade for one. They could also go the draft route, but expectation early on would be just a rotational piece at best.

3 DE/Edge are needed at a minimum to have an effective rotation. Resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense, but they have to sign or trade for a capable RE starter.

 

[TheDank]

I would focus my FA dollars on edge because I don't think the draft lines up well for us to get a top rusher at 12 and the guys at 20 or later come with major question marks. Plus I think our window is now and edge is typically a slower developing position.

Bringing back Clowney makes a ton of sense. I assume the price is somewhere around 5 apy.

I think Odafe Oweh is my other target. He's been a bit disappointing as a late first rounder but has slowly developed a d broke out last year after being traded to the Chargers. As said earlier it takes time and sometimes the right situation to develop these guys and Oweh came in as a more raw, traits heavy prospect. I believe he's finally hit his stride to being a very solid edge and with our DT rotation he, Clowney and EZE are good enough vs the run that I'm not worried.

The draft is bristling with talent at off ball LB, Safety and Nickel corner. I would rather grab some of those guys than potentially reaching on an edge.

 

[xwalker]

We currently have 3 DE/Edge players under contract in Ez, Houston and Land. Clowney, Fowler, Sam Williams all are going to hit unrestricted free agency.

After listening to that podcast about our future scheme (footstheking), we need a stout run defending LE and a rotational move around pass rusher who can gives us 7-8 sack season. Let's forget about 3-4, 4-3 as they will be playing the traditional 4-2-5 nickel for the most of the time.

LE-resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense. He is a very balanced Edge who is good against the run and will give us some rush abilities. Probably going another player with a similar skillset for the rotation. This could come from the draft or fa. We have discussed Faulk from Auburn who would be a good fit for this position. Epenesa, Paye would be good fits as well as some other cheaper options. Think a player like former Cowboy Golston.

RE/OLB-Ez has that skill set to potentially play this move around pass rusher, where Houston is more of a rotational designation pass rusher. This is the area where they are going to have to sign a proven veteran or trade for one. They could also go the draft route, but expectation early on would be just a rotational piece at best.

3 DE/Edge are needed at a minimum to have an effective rotation. Resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense, but they have to sign or trade for a capable RE starter.

I would focus off-spending on LB and RB.
- Those positions cost about 1/3 as much as Edge, DT or WR.
- Sign stop-gap Edge players and draft to get the high-upside edge players.

 

[cnuball21]

FA and draft.

I like the idea or Clowney on another 1 year deal and spending on Phillips / Odafe AND drafting someone.

 

[Stash]

I would focus my FA dollars on edge because I don't think the draft lines up well for us to get a top rusher at 12 and the guys at 20 or later come with major question marks. Plus I think our window is now and edge is typically a slower developing position.

Bringing back Clowney makes a ton of sense. I assume the price is somewhere around 5 apy.

I think Odafe Oweh is my other target. He's been a bit disappointing as a late first rounder but has slowly developed a d broke out last year after being traded to the Chargers. As said earlier it takes time and sometimes the right situation to develop these guys and Oweh came in as a more raw, traits heavy prospect. I believe he's finally hit his stride to being a very solid edge and with our DT rotation he, Clowney and EZE are good enough vs the run that I'm not worried.

The draft is bristling with talent at off ball LB, Safety and Nickel corner. I would rather grab some of those guys than potentially reaching on an edge.

Oweh’s projected market value is $19.3 million a year.

I can’t see the Cowboys in the mix at that price.

 

[TheDank]

Oweh’s projected market value is $19.3 million a year.

I can’t see the Cowboys in the mix at that price.

Supposedly we're willing to spend money this year. I won't trust it until I see it either with all the BS that has come out of this FO over the years but 20M is the going rate for starters at D line as evidenced by OSA and Rousseau last year. If we aren't willing to pay that then it will be another lost year because this defense isn't being fixed with just picks 12 and 20.

Outside of Bain and Bailey (maybe Reese but he's got some development that will need to happen) I don't think there's an edge that helps us now. Maybe Mesidor if his foot checks out.

 

[darthseinfeld]

We currently have 3 DE/Edge players under contract in Ez, Houston and Land. Clowney, Fowler, Sam Williams all are going to hit unrestricted free agency.

After listening to that podcast about our future scheme (footstheking), we need a stout run defending LE and a rotational move around pass rusher who can gives us 7-8 sack season. Let's forget about 3-4, 4-3 as they will be playing the traditional 4-2-5 nickel for the most of the time.

LE-resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense. He is a very balanced Edge who is good against the run and will give us some rush abilities. Probably going another player with a similar skillset for the rotation. This could come from the draft or fa. We have discussed Faulk from Auburn who would be a good fit for this position. Epenesa, Paye would be good fits as well as some other cheaper options. Think a player like former Cowboy Golston.

RE/OLB-Ez has that skill set to potentially play this move around pass rusher, where Houston is more of a rotational designation pass rusher. This is the area where they are going to have to sign a proven veteran or trade for one. They could also go the draft route, but expectation early on would be just a rotational piece at best.

3 DE/Edge are needed at a minimum to have an effective rotation. Resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense, but they have to sign or trade for a capable RE starter.

Im gonna continue pimping Boye Mafe here. I think he could be great value coming off a down sack season. Very pressure stats, just didn't finish in 2025. Has a 9 sack season on his resume. Good run defender as well

I do think should be resigned because he is well rounded. Gives you both a strong run defender and quality rusher

 

[darthseinfeld]

We currently have 3 DE/Edge players under contract in Ez, Houston and Land. Clowney, Fowler, Sam Williams all are going to hit unrestricted free agency.

After listening to that podcast about our future scheme (footstheking), we need a stout run defending LE and a rotational move around pass rusher who can gives us 7-8 sack season. Let's forget about 3-4, 4-3 as they will be playing the traditional 4-2-5 nickel for the most of the time.

LE-resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense. He is a very balanced Edge who is good against the run and will give us some rush abilities. Probably going another player with a similar skillset for the rotation. This could come from the draft or fa. We have discussed Faulk from Auburn who would be a good fit for this position. Epenesa, Paye would be good fits as well as some other cheaper options. Think a player like former Cowboy Golston.

RE/OLB-Ez has that skill set to potentially play this move around pass rusher, where Houston is more of a rotational designation pass rusher. This is the area where they are going to have to sign a proven veteran or trade for one. They could also go the draft route, but expectation early on would be just a rotational piece at best.

3 DE/Edge are needed at a minimum to have an effective rotation. Resigning Clowney makes a ton of sense, but they have to sign or trade for a capable RE starter.

I honestly wonder if Soloman Thomas could be made into a 5T/LDE type player. He is older, and has never been a good run defender, but I dont know if a team has ever really tried to use him like that

 

[deerhunter11]

I would focus my FA dollars on edge because I don't think the draft lines up well for us to get a top rusher at 12 and the guys at 20 or later come with major question marks. Plus I think our window is now and edge is typically a slower developing position.

Bringing back Clowney makes a ton of sense. I assume the price is somewhere around 5 apy.

I think Odafe Oweh is my other target. He's been a bit disappointing as a late first rounder but has slowly developed a d broke out last year after being traded to the Chargers. As said earlier it takes time and sometimes the right situation to develop these guys and Oweh came in as a more raw, traits heavy prospect. I believe he's finally hit his stride to being a very solid edge and with our DT rotation he, Clowney and EZE are good enough vs the run that I'm not worried.

The draft is bristling with talent at off ball LB, Safety and Nickel corner. I would rather grab some of those guys than potentially reaching on an edge.

I look for a free agent defensive end brought in early in free agency this march Trey Hendrickson and or Nick Herbig could be in the cards. Dallas could acquire both sign one and trade for the other one. Of course I would love to somehow get Maxx Crosby first.

 

[gtb1943]

Clowney is pretty much a must
and one other guy who has a record of 6-8 sacks a year
find a lower round edge rusher with potential unless we can trade down for more picks.

 

[Cowboyny]

I would focus my FA dollars on edge because I don't think the draft lines up well for us to get a top rusher at 12 and the guys at 20 or later come with major question marks. Plus I think our window is now and edge is typically a slower developing position.

Bringing back Clowney makes a ton of sense. I assume the price is somewhere around 5 apy.

I think Odafe Oweh is my other target. He's been a bit disappointing as a late first rounder but has slowly developed a d broke out last year after being traded to the Chargers. As said earlier it takes time and sometimes the right situation to develop these guys and Oweh came in as a more raw, traits heavy prospect. I believe he's finally hit his stride to being a very solid edge and with our DT rotation he, Clowney and EZE are good enough vs the run that I'm not worried.

The draft is bristling with talent at off ball LB, Safety and Nickel corner. I would rather grab some of those guys than potentially reaching on an edge.

I think we all agree bringing back Clowney is necessary and makes a ton of sense. I like you would also add a mid tier edge rusher

 

[Cowboyny]

I would focus off-spending on LB and RB.
- Those positions cost about 1/3 as much as Edge, DT or WR.
- Sign stop-gap Edge players and draft to get the high-upside edge players.

James Connor reportedly is going to hit the market, wonder if Adams wants him here in Dallas.

Signing a bridge veteran starter makes sense, but not a bottom of the barrel aging type.

 

[Cowboyny]

FA and draft.

I like the idea or Clowney on another 1 year deal and spending on Phillips / Odafe AND drafting someone.

Think this is the best course of action, keep Clowney add a mid tier edge starter and also add another in the draft process. This will go along way of fixing the position

 

[Cowboyny]

Oweh’s projected market value is $19.3 million a year.

I can’t see the Cowboys in the mix at that price.

I think they will spend the money for a pass rusher, it is a position they have spent resources on in the past. Now how high will they go?

 

[Cowboyny]

Im gonna continue pimping Boye Mafe here. I think he could be great value coming off a down sack season. Very pressure stats, just didn't finish in 2025. Has a 9 sack season on his resume. Good run defender as well

I do think should be resigned because he is well rounded. Gives you both a strong run defender and quality rusher

Think him and Chassion could be an underrated signing that won’t break the bank

 

[Cowboyny]

I honestly wonder if Soloman Thomas could be made into a 5T/LDE type player. He is older, and has never been a good run defender, but I dont know if a team has ever really tried to use him like that

I do think he could play de in the rotation. No matter where he plays, they are going to need some depth behind the starters

 

[Cowboyny]

I look for a free agent defensive end brought in early in free agency this march Trey Hendrickson and or Nick Herbig could be in the cards. Dallas could acquire both sign one and trade for the other one. Of course I would love to somehow get Maxx Crosby first.

Herbig makes a ton of sense and will be on a cheap deal for one season

 

[Cowboyny]

Clowney is pretty much a must
and one other guy who has a record of 6-8 sacks a year
find a lower round edge rusher with potential unless we can trade down for more picks.

Yes , Clowney and a re of some sorts in fa, then add one in the draft process

 

[cnuball21]

Think this is the best course of action, keep Clowney add a mid tier edge starter and also add another in the draft process. This will go along way of fixing the position

We will likely draft an Edge...and ideally we are counting on him to be the 3rd/4th best one in the room as a rookie.

I hope they dont think a rookie Edge, in a down class, is going to come in here and save us.

 

[Cowboyny]

We will likely draft an Edge...and ideally we are counting on him to be the 3rd/4th best one in the room as a rookie.

I hope they dont think a rookie Edge, in a down class, is going to come in here and save us.

Best case scenario, they are good enough to play in the rotation year1. I am also not ready to assume ez as the stater, either. We need an experienced bridge starter who has a proven track record