Despite turmoil, Dallas’ defensive line was strong in 2025

But that was more due to the fact that the seven players behind the line did little to support this unit.

The tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland, only days after he’d scored his first NFL touchdown, cast a pall over the season as well.

Still, the defensive line as a unit was the strongest room of the defensive side of the ball. Here’s how they did in 2025.

On The Edge

In his second year, Kneeland had started in three of the seven games he played in.

He’d finally recorded his first sack of his career. That came in the season-opener at Philadelphia.

His first NFL touchdown came courtesy of recovering Sam Williams’ blocked punt against the Cardinals.

He added 12 tackles, three for a loss, and one quarterback hit before his demons caught up with him.

Williams had 37 tackles and a sack. He started in five of the 17 games he played in.

He forced one fumble, recovered one, and defended two passes.

Dante Fowler had the most starts among the defensive ends in 2025. In 11 starts, and in 17 games, Fowler had 15 tackles, three sacks, and knocked down three passes.

Rookie Donovan Ezeirauku was second in starts with nine in 17 games played.

He finished with 40 tackles and two sacks and ended his year by getting ejected in the season finale.

Despite not getting a single start in 17 games, James Houston had a strong season. He had 35 tackles and 5.5 sacks in limited playing time.

The elder statesman of the edge players, 32-year-old Jadeveon Clowney, had six starts in 13 games.

Yet, Clowney led the team in sacks with 8.5 and led the edge players in tackles with 41.

Especially with the loss of Kneeland, the Cowboys should make every effort to bring Clowney back in 2026. They should also get Houston some more playing time.

In The Middle

The best part of the trade for Williams was that it jettisoned Mazi Smith off the roster. Smith played five games for Dallas without starting.

He finished with just three tackles.

Smith played in just three games for the Jets and sailed to record a single stat in New York.

Williams started in all seven games he played for Dallas.

Williams had 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks in those games. He also knocked down a pass and recorded an interception.

Clark started all 17 games for Dallas and had 36 tackles along with three sacks.

Osa Odighizuwa started in 13 of the 17 games he played in. He led all defensive linemen with 44 tackles and added 3.5 sacks.

The Cowboys have three backups at defensive tackle, all who are signed for 2026. Perrion Winfrey, Jay Toia, and Solomon Thomas should be serviceable enough that the Cowboys won’t have to spend any draft picks or free agency money on this position.

Which is great news given the linebacker and defensive back rooms need major overhauls.