Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles Facing Major Defensive Line Shakeups

Key Defensive Departures in the NFC East The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are both bracing for significant losses along their defensive fronts this offseason. The Cowboys may be preparing to part ways with defensive standouts DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston, while the Eagles are expected to lose edge rushers Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and defensive tackle Milton Williams. These departures could create a major shift in the power dynamics of the NFC East, leaving both teams scrambling for replacements.

A Competitive Market for Edge Rushers With so many key defensive players leaving, the demand for top-tier pass rushers has never been higher. Enter Harold Landry, the former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl edge rusher who was recently released. Landry has been a force on the field, recording 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons and surpassing 50 sacks in his six-year NFL career. Despite some analytical concerns, one thing remains undeniable—Landry knows how to rush the passer.

Adding to the mix, the Los Angeles Chargers have also released edge rusher Joey Bosa due to his hefty cap number. Meanwhile, superstar defenders Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns are reportedly available via trade. This creates a fascinating free agency landscape where multiple teams will be competing for elite pass-rushing talent.

The Eagles’ Aggressive Approach Unlike some organizations that may hesitate in the face of these defensive holes, the Eagles and their general manager, Howie Roseman, appear to be embracing the challenge head-on. Philadelphia is well-positioned financially, with over $22 million in cap space, and could free up even more funds following expected roster moves, including the potential releases of Darius Slay and James Bradberry. Additionally, a contract extension for star running back Saquon Barkley could help the Eagles create even more financial flexibility to pursue elite defensive reinforcements.

Cowboys’ Reluctance to Spend in Free Agency On the other hand, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has indicated an unwillingness to use free agency to address team needs, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. However, despite the perception that Dallas is in “cap hell,” the team recently freed up $57 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This move suggests that the Cowboys do have financial flexibility, but whether they choose to be aggressive in pursuing top-tier defensive talent remains to be seen.

The Importance of Proven Pass Rushers A strong pass rush can make or break a defense, especially in a division that features some of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. For the Eagles, acquiring a veteran edge rusher like Landry or Bosa could help fill the void left by their departing defenders. Meanwhile, the Cowboys need to decide whether they are willing to invest in a premier pass rusher to maintain their defensive dominance.

The Eagles seem fully aware of the importance of securing a proven edge rusher. The big question is—do the Cowboys see it the same way, or will their reluctance to act in free agency cost them in the long run?