Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys were much-maligned for their handling of the Micah Parsons fiasco this summer. The Cowboys were unwilling to pay top dollar for one of the game’s most dynamic defensive players and ultimately traded him to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks.
The Cowboys were widely criticized for trading Parsons to one of the league’s best teams, which hurt the value of those picks. Furthermore, many expected the Cowboys’ defense to struggle without Parsons. To nobody’s surprise so far, they have in fact struggled; Dallas has given up the most yards per game in the league (401.6).
As the trade deadline approaches, it’s not much of a shocker that the Cowboys are in the market for some defensive reinforcements. However, it is somewhat of a surprise that Dallas is looking for a star-level edge rusher after refusing to pay Parsons. Recently, Trey Wingo reported that they’re interested in just that: Maxx Crosby.
Breaking: according to sources the @dallascowboys have made inquiries with the @Raiders about a potential trade for Maxx Crosby— trey wingo (@wingoz) October 21, 2025
It’s worth wondering if Crosby is really an upgrade over Parsons and what the Cowboys would have to give up to land the Las Vegas Raiders star.
The Cowboys would likely have to give up more for Crosby than they received for Parsons
When comparing the two players, Parsons’ versatility stands out. He is capable of lining up as an edge rusher and as a linebacker. In fact, this is the first season that Parsons hasn’t been listed as a linebacker primarily. Currently, though, Crosby has more tackles (28) than Parsons (16) this season.
However, Parsons has slightly more sacks (5.5 to 4). Additionally, Parsons has recorded pressures than Crosby (19 to 14). Crosby has traditionally had a slightly higher pressure rate and recorded more tackles, but it’s worth noting that Parsons has a higher PFF grade (93.3) than Crosby (78).
While it’s close, and Crosby is a terrific player, I value Parsons’ ability to line up in different areas of the field. The consensus is that Parsons is the better player as well: He has made two All-Pro first teams and two All-Pro second teams, while Crosby has never made an All-Pro team at all.
Despite this, it’s possible that the Cowboys have to give up more than they received for Parsons if they want to land Crosby. The uncertainty around Parsons’ contract hurt his trade value. Conversely, Crosby is under contract until 2029 (with a possible out in 2028).
After being traded to the Packers, Parsons received a four-year, $186 million extension. Parsons’ average annual value of $46 million is $9 million more than Crosby’s. If the Cowboys end up trading for Crosby, Jerry Jones will be saving some money (which shouldn’t matter for the owner of the Cowboys), but losing some assets and ultimately getting a slightly worse player.
Congrats, Jerry, you played yourself.
Patriots Coach Makes Surprising Admission About Browns Ahead of Week 8
The Cleveland Browns are set to go on the road to play the New England Patriots in Week 8, and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel made a surprising admission.
Despite the Browns being 2-5 on the year, Vrabel believes Cleveland’s defense is the best New England will play.
“Yeah, I mean, just statistically and play style, they’re playing at a high level,” Vrabel said on Wednesday. “There’s quite a lot of confidence. It’s a lot of speed, a lot of disruption. They don’t give you a lot of time to make decisions, and then there’s enough change-ups in there. You just have to be good, you have to be sound, and you can’t hold onto the ball.”
Cleveland’s defense forced Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw three interceptions in their Week 7 blowout win. So, Vrabel knows the offense, and Drake Maye will have to be well prepared to face the Browns’ defense.
Patriots Coach Continues to Praise Browns Defense
After calling the Browns the best defense the Patriots have faced this season, Vrabel continued the praise.
The Patriots’ head coach believes their speed and ability to get after the quarterback and force turnovers.
“Well, they’re fast, they’re disruptive. They put pressure on the quarterback. And they do it through their players and their identity,” Vrabel said. “They understand what they want to do and how they want to play. They want to force you into mistakes if you give up loose plays or guys get on the edge of somebody.
“You’ve got an elite edge rusher on the outside, and if you can’t step up it’s going to be hard to protect. And then the corners are going to be sticky, the linebackers all can run, safeties are very good tacklers. And that’s the thing that I’ve noticed, is that if a ball breaks, eight yards is a really long run against this team because the safeties are such good tacklers – Grant [Delpit] and Ronnie [Hickman].”
The Browns’ defense is allowing 21.7 points per game, while averaging 2.57 sacks per game and five total interceptions.
Kevin Stefanski Reveals Message to Defense
After a dominant performance from the Browns’ defense, head coach Kevin Stefanski sent a clear message to the team.
Stefanski knows the defense has been solid all season long, and he sent a message to his defense.
“I think, obviously you score 21 points off of four takeaways, that’s a great recipe for success,” Stefanski said. “I think a big message for our defense, and I’m sure most defenses, is ‘do your job’. And you don’t go looking for an interception, or you use your technique when you’re tackling and the second guy in punches out.
“So, doing your job, the ball, you’ll be in position to make plays on the ball. And sometimes you have to wait for those opportunities to come, but you don’t go outside the framework of your defense.”
Stefanski is impressed with the defense and believes there is a lot to build off of after their performance against Miami.
The Browns are seven-point underdogs against the Patriots on Sunday.
