Cowboys' Defense: Parsons' Replacement, Gary & More

0:00On March 9th, the Dallas Cowboys' defense hit rock bottom in the 2025 season after trading away Michael Parsons and hiring Matt Eberfluss. As coordinator, finishing dead last in key metrics, but they've turned things around fast with smart moves up front. Back on November 4th, they grabbed New York Jet star Quinten Williams by sending defensive tackle Mazzie Smith a 20-26 second round, pick and a 20-27 first rounder. Now they've added former Green Bay Packers-Ed Russia Rashan Gary for just a 20-27 fourth round pick. That gives Dallas a powerhouse trio alongside nose tackle Kenny Clarke and Osa Oda Gizua, creating chaos for offenses even in limited looks last year. Gary, the 12th overall pick out of Michigan in 2019, brings 6 foot 5, 277 pounds of versatility. Last season, he notched 7 sacks, 60 pressures, 26 stops, and 7 tackles for loss, excelling against both pass and run. Fans remember Gary stuffing Dallas running

1:02back to Vante Williams in that wild 40-40 shootout on September 28th. His run-stopping fits perfectly for new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, who learned under Vic Fangio with the Eagles using heavy foreand, five man fronts, flexible linebackers, and two high safety looks to shut down big plays. With this loaded front four, Parker can mix up coverages without blitzing much, just like the Super Bowl champion Seahawks and Patriots did last year. Early downs now look dominant, freeing up the secondary, and holding the 12th and 20th picks in the stack 20-26 draft full of edge talent, the Cowboys can rebuild around this group, and, forgive Parsons ever left, setting up a fearsome defense when 20-26 kicks off.