Yahoo Sports analysis ranks Cowboys last in NFC East edge rushing for 2026

A recent analysis by Yahoo Sports has ranked the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFC East pass-rushing unit last among their divisional rivals. While the Eagles and Cowboys have dominated previous offensive rankings, the defensive landscape presents a different reality. The New York Giants are positioned at the top of the division, followed by the Washington Commanders, the Philadelphia Eagles, and finally the Cowboys, whose defensive edge room is characterised as lacking a premier speed rusher.

The Giants secure the highest ranking due to a robust rotation anchored by Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. Burns recorded 16.5 sacks in 2025 and has consistently delivered double-digit tackles for loss, while rookie Abdul Carter registered 34 pressures in his first season. The Commanders benefit from significant free-agent acquisitions, including Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, who combined for 30 sacks over the previous two seasons. The Eagles, despite adding Jonathan Greenard, are viewed as having a potential weakness in this area, with Greenard recording only three sacks in 12 games last season.

For Dallas, the assessment notes a reliance on effort rather than elite quickness. Rashan Gary has recorded nearly 40 sacks over the last five seasons, averaging eight per year, but is described as lacking the speed and bend required for consistent quick wins. Notably, Gary did not record a sack after the injury to his bookend, Micah Parsons. The analysis suggests the Cowboys lack a player known to win with speed off the edge, a critical deficiency in the current roster construction.

Rookie Malachi Lawrence is identified as the speed rusher Dallas requires, but his development may be hindered by not attending a premier school like Ohio State, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve. Other contributors face their own challenges; Donovan Ezieruaku posted good pressure numbers despite playing the latter part of the season with a hip injury requiring surgery. Meanwhile, reserve options such as James Houston, Sam Williams, and Marist Liufau have not yet offered significant impact at the NFL level.

The contrast in divisional strength is stark. While Philadelphia and Dallas have been first or second in every offensive position ranking, the Giants and Commanders have assembled talented young and veteran rotations on the defensive side. The Cowboys, who were a bottom-three defence last year, now face scrutiny over their ability to generate pressure without a clear, elite edge presence, leaving them trailing their NFC East counterparts in this specific metric.