In the lead up to the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys underwent a massive change. Following their franchise-altering decision, one insider noted how they’re now viewed around the league.
As most know, the Cowboys were caught up in an ongoing saga with star linebacker Micah Parsons. The two sides were at odds in contract extension talks, and things slowly evolved into a worst-case scenario.
Last week, Jerry Jones finally came to a resolution with Parsons. Instead of signing him to a new deal, he opted to honor his trade request. Parsons was dealt to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive lineman Kenny Clark and two first-round picks.
Also read: Gilbert Arenas Makes Bold Comparison for Micah Parsons Trade
The new-look Cowboys will have their first game Thursday night when they face off against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Evaluators around the NFL still expect Cowboys to be competitive post-Micah Parsons trade
Seeing that Parsons is arguably one of the top defensive talents in the NFL, the Cowboys have a sizable void to fill in their defense. Because of this, many fans and analysts expect Dallas to struggle in 2025. That said, league personnel aren’t overlooking them just yet.
In a recent column for ESPN, insider Jeremy Fowler reflected on the outlook of the Cowboys amid the fallout of the Parsons trade. Due to some of their other moves, people within the NFL think the roster still has the talent to hold its own this season.
“People inside the league are not as down on Dallas as fans and media seem to be right now,” Fowler wrote. “The loss of Parsons hurts, but the Cowboys have been a sneaky good drafting team over the past decade and have three former Day 2 edge rusher picks — Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku — ready to go. The roster has talent. And the Pickens addition received attention around the league. Evaluators know how good he can be in 2025 in a contract year with a proven quarterback. Despite all that, Philadelphia and Washington are considered a cut above in the division, which seems right.”
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Clark might not be on the same level as Parsons, but he is still a skilled player who will provide a boost for Dallas’ defense. On the other side of the field, the Cowboys might have one of the league’s top receiver duos.
Competing in the NFC East will be tough, as two teams have championship aspirations. That said, even with Parsons’ departure, Dallas might have the firepower to exceed their new expectations.
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