Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashan Gary participates in a minicamp practice at The Star on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Frisco.
Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News
After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys are looking ahead to the new campaign.
Much of the focus this offseason has centered around the team’s defense, which could get a boost from new coordinator Christian Parker. The team also picked up some new names for the defensive unit, led by first-round draftees Christian Parker and Malachi Lawrence.
As the offseason moves forward and NFL teams prepare for training camp, we’re breaking down the Cowboys’ 2026 roster by position groups. Today, let’s take a look at Rashan Gary and the edge rushers:
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2026 Dallas Cowboys edge rushers
Rashan Gary
Age: 28 NFL experience: 8 years
Contract: Playing under a two-year, $32 million deal in Dallas.
Summary: Last year, the Cowboys made a major decision when they traded Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Now, they’re hoping a former Packer can bolster their pass rush. Dallas landed Gary through a trade with Green Bay, giving Christian Parker a veteran player to deploy at a key position.
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Gary has posted 271 total tackles and 46.5 sacks over the last seven seasons. Can he give Dallas a needed boost with some help from pass rush consultant B.T. Jordan?
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Age: 23 NFL experience: 2 years
Contract: Entering Year 2 of his four-year, $10.1 million rookie deal.
Summary: The Cowboys were excited with Ezeiruaku’s potential when they drafted him in the second round last year. This year, they’ll need to take a major step in the pass rushing department. While Ezeiruaku showed promise as a strong defender against the run, Dallas will need him to get after the quarterback consistently.
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Ezeiruaku will have some work to do as he learns to play the outside linebacker position in the NFL.
Malachi Lawrence
Age: 22 NFL experience: Rookie
Contract: Signed a four-year, $20.2 million rookie deal this offseason.
Summary: Dallas focused on its defense in this year’s draft, using two first-round picks on Caleb Downs and Lawrence. The Cowboys held Lawrence in high regard, especially when they had the opportunity to select him after a trade with Philadelphia. Lawrence has potential, and he could make a key difference if he harnesses his elite pass rushing speed.
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In his final three seasons at UCF, Lawrence posted 27.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.
Sam Williams
Age: 27 NFL experience: 5 years
Contract: Signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal this offseason.
Summary: This will be a prove-it campaign for Williams, who rejoined the Cowboys on a one-year contract. Like Ezeiruaku, Williams is making the switch from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker. Williams previously played in a 3-4 system when he was at Ole Miss, so he’ll go back to a familiar setup.
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Williams has shown flashes of elite pass rushing ability in the past. Is this the year he can put it all together?
James Houston
Age: 27 NFL experience: 5 years
Contract: Entering Year 2 of a two-year, $2.1 million deal.
Summary: Houston became a fan-favorite last season after working his way onto the roster in training camp. Dallas’ defense struggled in 2025, but Houston was a surprising bright spot. He finished the season with 13 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
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He’ll give Dallas veteran depth as the team learns Parker’s defensive system.
Marist Liufau
Age: 25 NFL experience: 3 years
Contract: Entering Year 3 of a four-year, $5.6 million rookie deal.
Summary: Another year. Another NFL position change. That’s what Liufau is enduring early in his professional career. After playing middle and off-the-ball linebacker, Liufau will try his hand at pass rushing as an outside linebacker. Liufau has spent the offseason bulking up to handle his upcoming battles with offensive tackles.
Can the former Notre Dame standout make his mark in a completely new role?
Charles Snowden
Age: 28 NFL experience: 3 years
Contract: Signed a one-year, $1.075 million deal this offseason.
Summary: Snowden is welcoming a new opportunity after spending the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old posted five tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception in 2025.
He’ll look to earn a spot in the team’s rotation throughout training camp.
Isaiah Land
Age: 26 NFL experience: 3 years
Contract: Signed a two-year reserve/future deal with Dallas worth $2.265 million.
Summary: Land has experience with the Cowboys, and he’ll look to provide pass rushing depth for the team in 2026. He signed a reserve/future deal with the team this offseason.
After initially joining the Cowboys in 2023 as an undrafted free agent, Land spent part of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. Land has posted seven total tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack over the last three seasons.
Tyrus Wheat
Age: 26 NFL experience: 4 years
Contract: Signed a one-year, $1.245 million deal this offseason.
Summary: Wheat is returning to Dallas after spending the 2025 season with the Detroit Lions. Like Land, Wheat first joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
Wheat posted 15 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble last year. He could provide some value on special teams in his Cowboys return.