Cowboys Predicted to Sign Super Bowl Winning EDGE in NFL Free Agency

Dallas expected to improve defense with outside signing of Seahawks pass rusher Boye Mafe

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are expected to be active in NFL free agency this offseason, with plans to improve their defense through outside signings. One player they are predicted to target is Boye Mafe, a pass rusher who just won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. Mafe, a second-round pick in 2022, had a breakout season with 52 tackles and 9 sacks, and could help fill the void left by the trade of star linebacker Micah Parsons.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' pass rush was a major weakness last season, and adding a talented young edge rusher like Mafe could significantly bolster their defense. However, signing Mafe alone may not be enough, as the Cowboys will likely need to continue adding depth at the position through free agency and the draft.

The details

Mafe emerged as a key rotational pass rusher for the Seahawks in 2022, playing well both as a pass rusher and against the run. He had 52 tackles and 9 sacks on the season. The Cowboys have been clearing salary cap space by restructuring contracts, which should give them the flexibility to pursue free agents like Mafe to improve their defense.

  • The Cowboys began clearing cap space this week by restructuring contracts for key players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith.
  • Mafe was a second-round pick of the Seahawks in 2022 and had a breakout season, helping the team win the Super Bowl.

The players

Boye Mafe

A 24-year-old pass rusher who just won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, recording 52 tackles and 9 sacks in his second NFL season.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback, who had his contract restructured to help the team create salary cap space.

CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys' star wide receiver, who also had his contract restructured to create cap space.

Tyler Smith

The Cowboys' starting guard, who had his contract restructured to create cap space.

Donovan Ezeiruaku

The Cowboys' most promising young edge rusher, who recently had hip surgery which puts his status for the start of the season in doubt.

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What they’re saying

“Perhaps the best way for the Cowboys to fill the gaping hole that Micah Parsons left after being traded to the Packers is to follow the lead of the Seahawks, who had an abundance of pass rushers en route to winning the Super Bowl. Mafe was a part of that dominant rotation, and with 20 career sacks, he can drastically improve Dallas's defense.”

— Gilberto Manzano, SI.com writer (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to continue adding depth at the edge rusher position, even if they are able to sign Boye Mafe in free agency. They could target veteran defenders to serve as rotational pass rushers, and may also use one of their first-round draft picks to further bolster the position.

The takeaway

Signing Boye Mafe would be a significant move for the Cowboys to improve their pass rush, but it likely won't be enough on its own. The team will need to continue addressing the position through free agency and the draft in order to build a well-rounded and effective defensive front.