One of the oldest principles in the NFL is that players tend to follow coaches who have a positive impact on their development. Christian Parker will be the next Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator, and with his reputation as a teacher and tactician strong, it’s natural to wonder which former players might join him in Dallas.
Fans know that the club is in dire need of additional defensive talent. While Parker has been promoted to an offensive player for the first time in his career, his relationships with players aren’t necessarily limited to the secondary just because he’s the defensive passing coordinator. There are definitely linebackers who have been in those meetings who are interested in working for the 34-year-old under the lights in Dallas.
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The first look is at who the Philadelphia Eagles’ pending free agents are, but it doesn’t stop there. Parker also coaches the Denver Broncos from 2021 to 2023, and players from that era could still easily contribute in 2026.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, the players most likely to benefit from Parker’s guidance are either still on their rookie contracts with the Eagles or already signed to long-term deals with the team.
Here’s a look at Dallas’ current top free agent prospects, ranked by Pro Football Focus’ overall defensive grade in 2025.
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CB Jaquan McMillian (RFA), Denver, 2022-23, 2025 Class 80.3
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McMillian is a former UDFA member and has been a staple at Denver High School. They’ll likely take a hit on him in the first or second round of tendering and take him off the market.
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Safety Avonte MaddoxDetroit, 2024, 2025 Grade 79.1
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Maddox had an incredible season in Detroit but struggled in Philadelphia. In one season with Parker, his overall grade was 61.9.
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Safety CJ Gardner-JohnsonPhiladelphia, 2024, 2025 Level 51.4
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It wasn’t a great year for Chicago’s Gardner-Johnson, but he and Parker combined for a 77.0 grade in 2024.
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LB Justin StrnadDenver, 2021-23, 2025 Class 72.1
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Strnad barely played during Parker’s time in Denver, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have the opportunity to form some level of working relationship. Now that he’s got it, he’s an interesting option for the Cowboys to fill out their linebacker core.
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CB Fabian MoreauMinnesota, 2023, 71.4
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Morrow performed well, but only played 198 games as a substitute in 2025. If Parker likes the year they have together in 2023, he could definitely be added as a depth piece to help round out the roster; Morrow has a 62.4 grade in 739 snaps.
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LB Alex SingletonDenver, 2022-23, 70.1
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Singer is coming off a strong first year with Parker in Denver in 2022, posting his highest grade in six seasons at 79.1.
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Safety PJ LockeDenver, 2021-23, 63.0
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Lock doesn’t exactly stand out, having been mostly a backup, but he did have three sacks in 11 rushes with Parker in 2023.
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LB Nakobe DeanPhiladelphia, 2024-25, 62.2
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Dean has been considered a bust with the Eagles, but when he started alongside Parker in 2024, he posted a 77.4 grade, including a standout year in both run defense and pass rush.
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These aren’t the only back seven players on the free-agent market this year, but they are the ones who are average or better performers. Here are the other free agent linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties who have been linked to Parker.
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CB wannabe jacksonPhiladelphia, 2025, 2025 grade 53.6
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Safety Marcus EppsPhiladelphia, 2025, 2025 grade 51.8
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safety reed blankPhiladelphia, 2024-25, 2025 grade 42.6
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LB Ben Van Sumeren (Radio Free Asia), Philadelphia, 2024-25, N/A
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LB Josie JewellOutside the league, 2021-23
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Safety Justin SimmonsOutside the league, 2021-23
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safety Kareem JacksonOut of the league, 2021-22
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Eagles, NFL free agents could follow DC Christian Parker to Cowboys