The Dallas Cowboys report for training camp today, and one position fans will be keeping a close eye on is edge rusher. Micah Parsons remains without a contract extension but is expected to be at camp. Outside of Parsons, Dallas is relying on veteran Dante Fowler Jr. to start and provide a productive pass rush.
Behind them, the Cowboys have second-year edge Marshawn Kneeland and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku. While Dallas expects big things out of both Kneeland and Ezeiruaku, you can never have too much depth on the edge. As a result, the Cowboys held tryouts for three free-agent edge rushers prior to the start of training camp on Sunday.
Cowboys Invite Former Detroit Lion James Houston in for a Tryout
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Dallas invited edge rushers Jesse Luketa, Kameron Cline and James Houston into the building to try out. Of those names, Houston is the most notable.
The #Cowboys are working out several free agent pass rushers ahead of camp, including Jesse Luketa, Kameron Cline and James Houston, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 20, 2025
Houston, a former sixth-round pick of the Detroit Lions, has had one notable season. In seven games as a rookie, he recorded 12 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, four quarterback hits, five quarterback hurries, and 17 QB pressures. That production earned him a stellar 88.2 pass rush grade from PFF in his rookie season. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old has been unable to reach this type of success again.
In his next two seasons, Houston recorded nine tackles, two sacks, two quarterback hits, 14 QB hurries and 17 QB pressures in 13 games. After a productive rookie season, Houston's quick decline is a bit surprising.
Despite his drop off, Houston would provide better upside than Luketa and Cline. Cline has barely seen playing time in the NFL, only seeing playing time in six games over five seasons. Whereas Luketa got his first taste of major playing time in 2024, and didn't have as much success as Houston did as a rookie.
That said, given that Dallas could use all the pass-rushing help they could get, bringing Houston in for training camp may not be a bad idea. If it doesn't work out, they could just move on from him before the season starts, and it won't be a huge deal.