By FanHub Insider | April 21, 2025
FRISCO, TX — The winds of change may be blowing through Big D.
According to league insiders, the Dallas Cowboys are actively exploring a draft-day trade-up scenario to land a young, explosive EDGE rusher — someone who could eventually take over for franchise veteran DeMarcus “Tank” Lawrence.
At age 32, Lawrence remains a respected leader and locker room presence. But with his contract set to expire after this season, Dallas is preparing for the future — and they’re not waiting around.
“The Cowboys love Tank. But they know the time is coming,” one NFC scout told FanHub. “They want a new cornerstone on the edge opposite Micah.”
🔄 Proposed Trade-Up Targets
The Cowboys currently hold pick No. 24 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Multiple reports suggest they’re eyeing a move into the Top 15 to secure one of the following EDGE stars:
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Dallas Turner (Alabama) – explosive, twitchy, Micah-style freak
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Jared Verse (Florida State) – violent hands, NFL-ready motor
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Braylon Trice (Washington) – elite production, relentless hustle
Any of these names would immediately slot into the EDGE rotation alongside Parsons and Dorance Armstrong — with the potential to become “the next Tank”.
“You put Verse or Turner next to Micah Parsons and chaos will follow,” said one AFC personnel exec.
🧨 Why Now?
Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been a pillar of Dallas’ defense for nearly a decade. But injuries and age are catching up. His 2024 season included:
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4.5 sacks
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13 QB hits
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11 missed tackles
While still solid, he’s not the game-wrecker he once was — and the Cowboys can’t afford to fall behind in a division with Jalen Hurts and now Jayden Daniels as mobile threats.
With Micah Parsons often moving around the front, Dallas needs a true EDGE anchor to hold the outside.
💬 Cowboys Fans React
As always, the fanbase is buzzing with opinions:
“Tank gave us everything. But we gotta look forward.” – @Cowboys4Life
“Verse + Micah = SACK CITY.” – @YallHatinOnBigD
“I’d rather keep Tank one more year AND draft his heir. Let him mentor the kid.” – @Legacy88
🔮 What’s Next?
With just days until the NFL Draft, the Cowboys war room is reportedly active, working the phones to find a trade partner. If the price is right — maybe a swap of first-rounders plus a Day 3 pick — don’t be surprised to see Dallas jump the line.
DeMarcus Lawrence’s era isn’t over… but it’s winding down.
And Jerry Jones? He’s never been shy about planning for the next one — especially when it involves a pass rusher who could terrorize QBs for the next 10 years.
