Since trading Micah Parsons away before the start of the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys have lacked a significant pass-rushing threat off the edge. Their defensive numbers have plummeted this year, leaving one of the league's best offenses with no hope of being truly competitive.
It seems like Jerry Jones has the itch to make a change on defense, as reports recently came out that Dallas was interested in trading for superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby before the upcoming deadline. It would be the Cowboys' second blockbuster trade involving a pass rusher this season, but it might not be the best move available to them.
Instead, Miami Dolphins edge defender Jaelan Phillips could be the perfect option.
Jaelan Phillips could be the Cowboys' Maxx Crosby alternative
Like Crosby, Phillips is stuck on a losing team with no hopes of playoff contention this season. Both franchises could choose to ship off their star edge rushers in exchange for draft capital before the trade deadline. But one would cost the Cowboys significantly more than the other.
While it might take a first-round pick or a starting-caliber player to get Crosby, Dallas could likely take Phillips for a second or even third-round pick.
Of course, the Dolphins defender has been significantly less impactful than Crosby. He's not a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, by any means. But he would immediately step in as the Cowboys' most effective pass rusher, filling one of the team's most glaring weaknesses.
In a recent list of players with the potential to be moved at the deadline, NFL Spin Zone's Sayre Bedinger included the Cowboys as a likely landing spot for Phillips. Bedinger wrote, "With names like Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby (understandably) dominating the headlines, it's possible that the best EDGE player to get traded in 2025 will actually end up being former first-round pick Jaelan Phillips."
The Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions were also listed as possible suitors for Phillips.
The 26-year-old defender has an extensive injury history, having only appeared in 19 games over the last three seasons. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2023 and a torn ACL in 2024. The injuries, while certainly an important consideration in seeking out a trade target, should make the cost to get him even lower.
If the Cowboys are hoping to compete for a playoff spot this season, they have to do something to improve their defense, and Phillips might be the best option available.