Cowboys' Rumored Search for Defensive Help Trolled by Fans After Micah Parsons Trade

The Dallas Cowboys are getting mocked for the team's reported decision to target defenders at the trade deadline months after dealing Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Saturday that the Cowboys "have let the league know they are open for business" and "looking for defensive help" ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline.

NFL fans responded by helpfully reminding the Cowboys they had already parted ways with last season's team sacks leader.

Through five games this season, Parsons has totaled 2.5 sacks, while he ranks fourth among edge defenders with 29 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

His absence has still been visible in Dallas, where the Cowboys are heading into Week 7 ranked 32nd in the NFL in passing defense (269.5 yards against per game) and 29th in rushing defense (142.2 yards against per game).

Dallas has also joined the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals as one of just three teams to allow opponents to rack up at least 30 points per game.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently indicated that his team would be willing to consider a move at the trade deadline if they believed it would help improve the defense.

"If there is a trade that would help the defense, we're in position to make that trade…. doesn't mean we're going to make one, but we certainly had in mind when we started this season that we were going to have ammo to be more flexible in terms of what we do with the roster as we move along this year, and of course as we get into the next couple of years," Jones said earlier this week (h/t DallasCowboys.com's Tommy Yarrish).

One potential deadline target for the Cowboys could be Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who could be a trade candidate given that he is playing this season on an expiring contract.

For now, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will be tasked with getting stronger performances from his current lineup when the Cowboys return to action in Sunday's Week 7 action against the visiting Washington Commanders. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.