It's hard to believe, but the Dallas Cowboys still haven't introduced new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, even though they announced his hiring on Jan. 23, more than two weeks ago.
That’s because Parker is still finalizing his coaching staff. It’s been a meticulous search, and holding an introductory press conference right now would only disrupt that progress. Ironically, the drawn-out process has already cooled some of the excitement that followed his hiring.
Cowboys fans are itching to hear Parker's vision for the defense and the type of player he believes can execute that vision. That will make it easier to circle potential free agency and draft targets, but his Eagles and Broncos connections could prove crucial once the legal tampering period begins.
As far as Eagles free agents are concerned, Parker and the Cowboys would be prudent to put a bullseye on pass rusher Jaelan Phillips' back.
Dallas Cowboys DC Christian Parker should bring Jaelan Phillips with him to Dallas
A number of Cowboys fans wanted the team to flip a draft pick for Phillips before the 2025 trade deadline. Quinnen Williams turned out to be an awesome surprise, but it still stung when the Eagles acquired Phillips from Miami. Thankfully, Philly flamed out in the first round of the playoffs.
A first-round pick by the Dolphins in 2022, Phillips was a revelation for Philadelphia's pass rush over the final eight games.
From Weeks 8 to 18, Phillips ranked sixth among edge defenders with 51 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. He also ranked sixth with a 19.2 percent pass-rush win rate and ninth with a 10.5 PRP, which combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to pass rush snaps.
It seems that Phillips is going to hit the open market. The franchise tag is unlikely, and we know that general manager Howie Roseman likes to play the compensatory pick game.
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The Cowboys are $29 million over the salary cap, but they can create more than $65 million in space by restructuring the contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith. Those deals were designed with flexibility in mind, making restructures a logical next step.
Phillips could cost upwards of $20 million annually, pushing the Joneses well outside their comfort zone. But edge rusher is a massive need. Playing safe isn't an option.
If Jerry and Stephen are serious about fixing the defense and ending “The Drought,” they’ll use one of their two first-round picks on an EDGE, sign Phillips, and re-sign Jadeveon Clowney. That room needs that much help.
There are other intriguing EDGEs set to enter free agency, but Phillips stands out given his familiarity with Parker.