The Dallas Cowboys have made it clear that bolstering their defensive line is a top priority, and the recent NFL trade deadline move to acquire Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets was evidence of their intent. Williams immediately adds a disruptive presence in the middle, helping to fortify the interior defensive front. But even as the Cowboys turned heads with that acquisition, rumors persisted that they were eyeing Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. With Crosby’s 2025 season ending amid turmoil between him and the Raiders, speculation has already reignited this offseason, with many wondering if Dallas should pursue him aggressively.
However, a pair of Dallas radio hosts—Shan Shariff and R.J. Choppy of 105.3 The Fan—argue that chasing Crosby might not be the smartest move for the Cowboys. While both admit that Crosby is an elite edge rusher, they suggest that the Cowboys’ attention should instead focus on free-agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who offers nearly comparable production without the need to part with precious draft capital.
“I’m not trading what it’s going to take to get Crosby here,” Shariff said. “Just go get Trey Hendrickson without giving up picks.” Choppy echoed the sentiment, pointing out that Hendrickson is available on the open market and could be signed to a two- or three-year deal. “I think we’ve forgotten that Hendrickson, and again, correct me if I’m wrong, he’s just there and available. So give Hendrickson a deal and don’t touch your first-round picks,” he said.
The logic behind their argument is straightforward. Acquiring Maxx Crosby would likely require a significant package, including early-round draft picks that the Cowboys would prefer to hold onto for other roster-building needs. Dallas has historically valued draft capital, and trading for a high-profile edge rusher like Crosby would be an expensive gamble, particularly when another proven option is available via free agency. By pursuing Hendrickson, the Cowboys could add an elite pass rusher immediately while preserving their draft flexibility—a key consideration for a team in “win-now” mode.
Age is a minor concern, as Hendrickson is 31, but the Cowboys’ radio hosts argue that it is largely irrelevant given the state of Dallas’ roster. With Dak Prescott also in his 30s, the team’s current championship window is narrow—likely two years. In that context, acquiring impact players who can deliver now outweighs concerns about long-term aging curves. Hendrickson, who has consistently been one of the league’s top sack producers when healthy, fits that mold perfectly.
Looking at Hendrickson’s recent performance, it’s easy to see the appeal. Before a hip injury landed him on injured reserve in 2025, he recorded four sacks in just seven games. While the injury could lower his asking price in free agency, it’s reasonable to expect that he will return to form, given his track record. In 2024, Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, matching his production in 2023. Over five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, he has totaled 61 sacks—proof that he can consistently generate pressure and disrupt opposing offenses. Adding a player of Hendrickson’s caliber would give the Cowboys another formidable edge, complementing Quinnen Williams inside and solidifying the pass rush overall.
The difference between Crosby and Hendrickson boils down to cost versus value. Crosby is undoubtedly a dynamic and elite player, but acquiring him would almost certainly require sacrificing significant draft capital, potentially impacting the team’s ability to build around Dak Prescott and a core of offensive and defensive talent. Hendrickson, by contrast, represents a nearly equal impact at a fraction of the long-term cost. The free-agent route allows the Cowboys to retain flexibility while still addressing a critical positional need.
There’s also a strategic consideration regarding the type of production each player brings. Crosby is more of a high-profile, headline-making rusher who can dominate games individually. Hendrickson, while slightly less flashy, brings proven consistency and a track record of performing in both the regular season and high-stakes playoff situations. For a team like Dallas, which already has an established defensive system under its new coaching staff, a consistent, reliable rusher who can fit seamlessly into the scheme may be more valuable than a flashy but costly alternative.
From a financial perspective, signing Hendrickson to a two- or three-year deal allows the Cowboys to manage cap space effectively while still adding a significant boost to their pass rush. In contrast, pursuing Crosby could create cap headaches, particularly if the team overextends in draft capital or contract guarantees. Dallas’ approach in recent years has emphasized building sustainable rosters, and Hendrickson aligns with that philosophy.
In conclusion, while Maxx Crosby remains an intriguing target and a potential game-changer, the wiser move for the Dallas Cowboys may be Trey Hendrickson. With his combination of elite pass-rushing ability, availability as a free agent, and fit within the team’s immediate win-now window, Hendrickson represents an opportunity to strengthen the roster without mortgaging the future. As Shan Shariff and R.J. Choppy correctly note, the Cowboys don’t need to give up their first-round picks when an impactful, proven edge rusher is sitting on the open market.
With Quinnen Williams already bolstering the interior line, adding Hendrickson would create a formidable front that could pressure quarterbacks consistently, disrupt opposing offenses, and provide the Cowboys with a clear path toward competing for a playoff run in the next two years. For Dallas, it’s about maximizing impact, maintaining flexibility, and positioning the team to take full advantage of the narrow championship window in the Dak Prescott era. In this case, smart, strategic acquisition outweighs headline-grabbing trades.
