Cowboys Rumors on Signing Pro Bowler Take Ugly Turn

 

Some view it as a “position of need,” but one thing remains certain—under Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys have consistently prioritized depth at defensive end. This philosophy dates back to their Super Bowl-winning teams of the 1990s, where even with stars like Charles Haley and Tony Tolbert starting, seasoned veterans like Jim Jeffcoat and Chad Hennings provided key support off the bench. Ideally, this approach would continue today, with Micah Parsons as the cornerstone, DeMarcus Lawrence testing free agency, and young players Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland preparing to step up.

If the Cowboys are willing to slightly expand their “selective aggressiveness” strategy, the current NFL market presents an intriguing opportunity. Elite pass rushers such as Trey Hendrickson (trade), Joey Bosa (free agency), and Myles Garrett (trade) are all potentially available. Now, another big name has entered the mix—Harold Landry, a Pro Bowl edge rusher recently released by the Tennessee Titans.

At 28, Landry boasts an impressive track record, with over 50 career sacks in six seasons. In 2023, he recorded nine sacks and 41 quarterback pressures, adding to his Pro Bowl résumé from 2021. However, there’s a significant downside.

Analysts have raised red flags about his consistency and effort. Cowboys beat writer Nick Harris pointed out that Landry “disappears for games at a time” and has a “low motor late in games,” suggesting Dallas could find better value elsewhere. Analyst John Owning highlighted Landry’s concerning pass-rush win rate, which dipped below 5% in 2024 and has fluctuated between 6.6% and 10.3% in previous years. His blunt response? “Yeah, I’m good. NO THANK YOU.”

Those harsh evaluations certainly give reason for hesitation. While Landry has talent and experience, the Cowboys must carefully weigh whether they’re pursuing a recognizable name or true production in this ongoing game of “Edge-Rusher Musical Chairs.”