Locked On Cowboys Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Dallas Cowboys Expected To TARGET Free Agent EDGE Rushers | Who Is The Best Fit?
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the Dallas Cowboys’ urgent need for edge rush help. They analyze the top free agent and trade options at edge rusher, debate the merits and risks of big-ticket versus value options, and discuss which players could realistically fit the Cowboys’ scheme and cap structure. The hosts bring their usual blend of realistic analysis and optimism as they preview how Dallas might address this critical need during the 2026 offseason.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys’ Offseason Edge Rusher Needs ([01:32] – [03:23])

• Depth & Quality Required: The Cowboys must add at least one starting-caliber edge and one solid rotational player this offseason, possibly more for depth.
  • Landon McCool: “You probably need to come out with two, you know, not quite starter but probably at least one solid starter and then one very heavy rotation player out of this offseason period.” ([02:28])
• Limited ‘Edge 1’ Options: Relying on a rookie to be an immediate top pass rusher is risky; most true edge ones are not available in free agency or draft unless fortune strikes.

2. High-Value Free Agent Edge Rushers ([03:23] – [11:41])

• Trey Hendrickson ([03:23] – [06:27])

  • Seen as the only real "edge one" free agent this year.
  • Concerns: Age, hefty price tag ($20–25 million), one-dimensional as mostly a pass-rusher, and durability.
  • Landon McCool: "Buyer beware. Even despite the fact that he is definitely the top end guy, his age... and the contract, all these are factors." ([05:28])

• Odafe Oweh ([06:27] – [08:21])

  • Only 27, flashes potential, strong finish with the Chargers, but has never played more than 700 snaps.
  • Likely to command $20M/year despite being more of an above-average starter than a true star.
  • Landon McCool: "This is what you’re getting when you buy on the open market." ([07:03])

• One-Year Veterans: Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack ([08:21] – [09:47])

  • Both aging but can be impact players in limited roles.
  • Bosa: Preferred for pass-rush specialist duty due to relative youth (31 years old).
    • Landon McCool: "If you get Bosa, you recognize you play him mostly in a pass rush role and try to protect him a little bit." ([09:01])
  • Mack: Still excellent in space and coverage but 35 years old, heavy mileage.
    • Marcus Mosher: "Mack has been better over the last three years, but you are talking about a 35-year-old."

• Jalen Phillips ([10:08] – [11:08])

  • Only 27, injury history but projected at $15M for one year; potentially the "best of both worlds" between youth and versatility.
  • Landon McCool: "If he’s available for a one-year $15 million, I’d absolutely do that." ([10:35])

3. Best Value Free Agent Edge Rushers ([13:57] – [21:20])

• Bradley Chubb ([14:39])

  • Recent ACL injury, possible value if signed to a "prove-it" deal ($9–10 million).
  • Landon McCool: "Maybe you sign him to a... one year prove-it deal and see if you, if you can get him in a situation..."

• Jadeveon Clowney ([16:22])

  • Performed well for Dallas last season, effective in rotational role, likely wants a pay bump.
  • Marcus Mosher: "He was pretty clearly your best edge rusher [last season]... would love to see them bring him back."

• Caleb on Chaisson ([17:07])

  • Young, flashed juice as a situational rusher, still affordable.

• Dante Fowler ([17:07])

  • Had success on successive one-year deals, familiar with Cowboys’ scheme.

• A.J. Epenesa ([17:07])

  • Possible under-the-radar value, especially as a run defender.

Host Insight: Double Dip on Value Option

• Landon McCool: “If we're talking about these lower paid guys, it could be multiples of these guys kind of filling the role.” ([17:07])

• Kyle Van Noy ([19:05])

  • At age 35, valuable for early downs and coverage, cheap ($1-3M).
  • Marcus Mosher: “He eats up a bunch of snaps and then allows you to get Cassius How on the field on third downs.”

• Arnold Ebiketie ([19:52])

  • Productive whenever given snaps; could be a shrewd buy-low in the mold of past Fowler signings.
  • Marcus Mosher: "He's somebody that can play in space... The pass rush win rate stuff is all very encouraging."

• Von Miller ([21:20])

  • At 37, would need a snap-limited role but still respected for pass-rush ability.

4. Top Trade Options at Edge ([25:16] – [29:24])

• Maxx Crosby ([25:16])
  • Would require a premium trade package and likely a new contract. Cowboys must consider his heavy snap count and scheme integration.
    • Landon McCool: "It's not just a trade... you may have to end up signing him to a new deal as well." ([25:16])
• Nick Herbig (Steelers) ([26:29])
  • Young, wants a starting role and a new contract; a strong scheme fit.
    • Marcus Mosher: "I just think Nick Herbig is the best fit here... wants to be a full-time starter."
• Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants) ([27:06])
  • 2022 #1-rated player on Cowboys’ draft board (per behind-the-scenes), now behind other edge rushers in NYG and could be a buy-low target.
    • Marcus Mosher: "...the Cowboys had Kayvon Thibodeau as their number one player in that class. It would not shock me if they go back to their pre-draft evaluation..." ([27:06])
    • Landon McCool: “He’s obviously been really up and down and there’s a reason he’s the odd man out here... that comes with caveat, boredom of its own.” ([27:25])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Realism of Adding a Top Edge:
  • Marcus Mosher: "I think there’s only one edge one in free agency right now and that’s Trey Hendrickson." ([03:23])
• On the Cost and Risk of Free Agent Pass Rushers:
  • Landon McCool: "This $20 million for an edge rusher that had a somewhat promising season last year, like that's the buyer's market at this point." ([07:03])
• On Building the Room Through Multiples:
  • Landon McCool: "If we're talking about these lower paid guys, it could be multiples... kind of filling the role." ([17:07])
• On Potential Trade Options (Thibodeaux):
  • Marcus Mosher: "Maybe the Giants would rather have...I don't know how this trade would work. It would be difficult. But he is somebody I could see being dealt at some point this offseason." ([28:35])
• On the Need to Take Swings:
  • Landon McCool: "You’re going to have to take some swings and win in some areas where other people aren’t." ([28:57])

Segment Timestamps

• [01:32] – Cowboys’ Needs & Strategic Approach
• [03:23] – Top Free Agent Edge One: Trey Hendrickson
• [06:27] – “Young but Unproven” Market: Odafe Oweh
• [08:21] – Potential One-Year Rentals: Bosa & Mack
• [10:08] – Value/Youth Play: Jalen Phillips
• [13:57] – Value Free Agents: Chubb, Clowney, Chaisson, Fowler, Epenesa
• [19:05] – Early-Down Stoppers: Van Noy, Ebiketie, Miller
• [25:16] – Top Trade Candidates: Crosby, Herbig, Thibodeaux

Summary & Takeaways

• The Cowboys need multiple new faces at edge, ideally a starter and a high-end reserve.
• The free agent class is thin at the top; true “edge ones” are scarce and expensive.
• Smart value signings and creative trades are likely.
• The team may double dip at the value tier and/or explore “buy low” trades for talented but underperforming players.
• Flexibility and rotation will be key; the days of relying on one ironman edge are fading.

This episode serves as an essential blueprint for Cowboys fans and NFL observers trying to forecast how Dallas might address one of its neediest positions with both immediate impact and roster depth in mind.