The biggest NFL headline of Friday came out of Dallas, where four-time Pro Bowler Micah Parsons informed the team he "no longer wants to be a Cowboy". Losing Parsons would be a massive blow to the defense. He has racked up 52.5 sacks over four years and has been the engine behind their pass rush.
If the Cowboys choose to move on and secure a haul of draft picks in return, here are five defenders they could target in the draft to fill his void.
5 possible replacements for Micah Parsons
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Clemson’s T.J. Parker enters the 2026 NFL Draft as my top-rated defensive end. His production last season was elite: 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and a school-record six forced fumbles. He was the only player in the country to rank in the top 10 nationally in all three categories. At 6-3, 265 pounds, Parker brings the full package with an explosive first step, the ability to bend off the edge, and power through contact. He is a top-10 talent and would be an ideal long-term replacement if Dallas lands a premium pick in a Parsons trade.
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk is a different type of player than Parsons but could still help Dallas in a big way. At 6-6, 285, he is a power end who would shore up a run defense that ranked 29th in the league last year. He posted a strong 83.4 run defense grade last season and uses his length and strength to control the edge. Faulk also has pass-rush value, registering seven sacks in 2024. He is not as twitchy as Parsons, but he is more physically imposing and versatile along the defensive front.
Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei is a big, physical defensive end who would be a strong fit in Matt Eberflus’ defense. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last season after leading the conference with 10.5 sacks and adding 12.5 tackles for loss. His production is fueled by powerful hands and a violent first strike that lets him win early in the rep. Uiagalelei also has the fluidity to drop into coverage, a skill the Cowboys occasionally relied on with Parsons. Dallas would likely be able to get Uiagalelei late in the first round.
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Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
One player who could rise quickly up draft boards is Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. Despite an injury-plagued season last year that caused him to miss four games, he remains one of the most explosive athletes in the 2026 defensive end class. The former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year flashes an excellent first step and has the speed to consistently pressure the quarterback. He also holds up well against the run, earning an 82.7 run defense grade from PFF last season. If Bain stays healthy, his stock could climb fast.
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
A likely mid-round pick who could help fill the gap left by Parsons, Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas stands out for his quickness. He is smaller than the other players on this list but is the fastest defender among them. Despite limited playing time last season, Thomas recorded nine sacks and earned an impressive 93.2 pass-rush grade on true pass sets, according to PFF. While he would likely be used primarily as a situational pass rusher, his explosive first step makes him a valuable weapon off the edge.