The Dallas Cowboys are facing a defensive dilemma as star pass rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence recover from injuries. With their absence, the team’s pass rush has significantly weakened, leaving many to wonder why the Cowboys passed on a trade for elite rusher Haason Reddick. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Dallas deemed the trade “non-viable,” raising questions about their decision-making amid mounting pressure.

Last season, the Cowboys boasted one of the NFL’s top pass rush units, ranking fifth in the league with 45 sacks. Micah Parsons was instrumental, tying for fourth in the NFL in sacks and posting a remarkable 24.6% pass-rush win rate-the second-highest among edge rushers. Lawrence wasn’t far behind, contributing 10.5 sacks and a 21.1% win rate. Together, the duo made the Cowboys defense a formidable force.

However, with both Parsons and Lawrence sidelined, the Cowboys‘ defensive line has crumbled. In a recent game against the Eagles, they managed only one sack, allowing opposing quarterbacks far too much time to operate. Dallas is now giving up 272.5 passing yards per game, a sharp increase from their previous defensive performance.

Rookie Marshawn Kneeland in the spotlight

In the absence of Parsons and Lawrence, the pressure is on rookie Marshawn Kneeland to step up. Kneeland showed potential during the preseason, but the stakes are much higher now. Can he fill the shoes of two Pro Bowl-level pass rushers? His performance will be critical to the Cowboys‘ success, especially with the playoffs on the horizon.

While the team is hopeful that Kneeland can rise to the challenge, there is understandable concern about relying on a rookie in such a pivotal role. If Kneeland falters, the Cowboys‘ pass-rushing woes could continue, putting their playoff aspirations in jeopardy.

Haason Reddick: the veteran they passed on

Haason Reddick, currently signed to a three-year, $45 million contract, could have been the veteran presence the Cowboys needed to stabilize their defense. Reddick’s ability to pressure quarterbacks has been proven, and many believed a trade for him would be a logical solution to Dallas’s pass-rushing crisis. However, the Cowboys opted against it, possibly viewing Reddick as an expensive short-term solution.

By passing on Reddick, the Cowboys are making a bold bet on Kneeland’s potential. If he can rise to the occasion, the decision may look brilliant in hindsight. But if he struggles, the Cowboys could face a costly mistake, leaving fans questioning why they didn’t bring in Reddick when they had the chance.