#defensive-tackle

#defensive-tackle

Dallas also appears to be open to trading 2023 first-round DT Mazi Smith, who has only played in five games this season. This is the first time the team has been mentioned as potentially moving on from Smith. Coming out of training camp, Smith was on the brink of being released after preseason standout Perrion Winfrey came on strong to finish the summer. The Cowboys also picked Jay Toia in the draft, who they were high on as a developmental player at the one-tech position.

Bailey has been a force off the edge this season, and he leads the FBS with a 24.6% pressure rate to go along with 8.5 sacks, which are tied for first. He is a constant disruptor who can win with speed or power. And with Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, the Cowboys need a potent pass-rushing presence outside, which Bailey could provide. Dallas' 11 sacks are tied for 22nd in the NFL, and that defense is giving up 6.2 yards per play, which ranks 30th.

Trying to bolster one of their weakest positions, the New York Jets acquired defensive tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs in separate trades on Wednesday. The Jets traded two seventh-round picks (2026 and 2027) to the Minnesota Vikings for Phillips and a 2027 seventh-round pick, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The trade is pending a physical. The Vikings agreed to pay $3.7 million of Phillips' $7.4 million salary for 2025, a source told Schefter.

Sieler acknowledged the importance of securing a new contract, but admitted that staying present with his teammates was just as vital.

While Johnny Newton only managed two sacks in his rookie year, his quickness and disruptive ability in the run game were positively noted, reflecting his potential to impact the defense positively.