While it’s impossible to replace Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys know they have to try. GM Jerry Jones got a boatload of first-round picks along with Kenny Clark in return for Parsons, who had been unstoppable in his first four seasons in Dallas.
Parsons, now on the Green Bay Packers, has done everything in his power to pick up where he left off. Moving forward, the Cowboys have their eye on this Miami Dolphins star.
Dallas Cowboys Eye Miami Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips as Micah Parsons Replacement
Parsons may only have 2.5 sacks this season, but the Cowboys’ defense has struggled without him. Leading the way is James Houston and his 3.5 sacks, while Clark is in second with 1.5.
Clark’s immediate contributions have helped, but Dallas continues to give up points at a rapid rate. They haven’t allowed fewer than 22 points this season, and their opponents have scored 30+ in four of six games.
This is where Phillips comes into the mix. With 24 career sacks, the Dolphins’ 26-year-old linebacker is the perfect trade candidate. PFSN’s Josh Weli wrote, “Finally, Jaelan Phillips looks fully healthy and could be a steal for a team that gets him in a defense where the attention isn’t solely on him.”
“He is just two seasons removed from being the fourth-best edge rusher in the NFL, per our PFSN EDGEi rankings, where he received an A grade for his impact score of 95.2,” Weli added.
“Look for teams looking to find lightning in a bottle to make an aggressive offer for his services, as the Dolphins won’t want to sell him cheaply, given what he has done in the league already.”
Aside from the Cowboys, the Detroit Lions were also listed as potential suitors. Seeing as the Lions already have Aidan Hutchinson, the NFC North could be in trouble if they’re able to land Phillips as well. Regardless, the Cowboys have jumped out as the odds-on favorite. Phillips, who has already played in more games than he did last season, has 17 total tackles and one sack.
After racking up 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons, injuries plagued his career. Since 2023, Phillips has played in just 18 games. As Weli mentioned, he seems healthier than ever and if the Dolphins are ready to move on from their star linebacker, now would be the time to do so.
As long as Phillips stays healthy, he could be exactly what the Cowboys need to strengthen their defense.
