Parsons' departure opens a leadership void on Dallas' front, and Dante Fowler Jr. is lined up to lead the sack charge with a cadre of young hens ready to rotate. Fowler, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and James Houston form a deep, aspirational group that could keep the Cowboys productive without Parsons.

For fantasy managers, watch Week 1 vs Philadelphia for early snap counts and rotation. If Fowler hits a double-digit mark again, Dallas can still pressure the passer effectively, aided by Houston's burst and the developmental upside of the rookies.

Dallas traded Micah Parsons to Green Bay, forcing a rapid reshuffle of the Cowboys’ edge group. Dante Fowler Jr. takes on a primary role while Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, and James Houston are charged with bigger workloads immediately. Without Parsons, Dallas leans more on interior pressure from Osa Odighizuwa and company, but blitzing remains limited under Matt Eberflus, and cornerback health adds to the volatility. Fantasy angles hinge on which youngsters seize opportunities early.

Overall, Fowler and Williams look like the safest floor bets for fantasy value, with Ezeiruaku and Kneeland carrying upside as breakout candidates if they adapt quickly. The interior rush and pass defense health will largely drive defensive fantasy outputs, making Week 1 snap shares and opponent specific game plans critical to monitor all season.

Dallas trades Micah Parsons to Green Bay for two first-round picks and Kenny Clark, creating a dramatic shift in the defense. The Cowboys pivot from Parsons’ singular rush threat to a more scheme-driven approach focused on run defense and collective pressure from multiple edges.

Expect Dante Fowler Jr. to carry early sack loads while Donovan Ezeiruaku and a cadre of developing players fill out the rush rotation. The piece outlines 2026 free-agent targets and a 2026 draft class with high-end edge talent as Dallas looks to rebuild the disruptive edge it once enjoyed.

Dallas set a fortified 53-man roster for 2025, trimming at wide receiver while keeping a strong edge presence and preseason standout James Houston. Tyler Guyton’s knee setback clouds Week 1 availability, and questions linger at offensive tackle as Terence Steele and swing option Nate Thomas battle for protections. On defense, nose tackle remains a run-stuffing void even with Mazi Smith in the mix, while Solomon Thomas, Perrion Winfrey, and co. look to pressure the pocket from the interior. In the backfield, Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue form a committee that must finally click. The result: a Cowboys club with clear plan but notable gaps entering the season.