Dallas Cowboys Should Pursue Trey Hendrickson to Bolster Defense in Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements heading into the offseason, and their biggest area of concern is at edge rusher. After missing the playoffs last season, largely due to the struggles on defense, it’s clear that the Cowboys need to improve at multiple levels. One of the key positions that needs attention is the edge rusher spot, and Trey Hendrickson, the star pass-rusher from the Cincinnati Bengals, should be at the top of their list when it comes to free agency targets.

A Dire Need for Pass Rush Help

Dallas’ defense was a major factor in the team’s failure to make the playoffs in 2025, and one of the biggest gaps is in the pass-rush department. After Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers—a move that shocked many—Dallas lost a significant chunk of their defensive playmaking ability. The Cowboys now face the challenge of replacing the production that was lost with Parsons’ departure.

While the team has some solid pieces in place, they are far from complete. They need help on the edge, and Trey Hendrickson is a player who could instantly improve their pass rush and give their defense the kind of boost it desperately needs.

Why Trey Hendrickson Is the Right Fit for Dallas

According to CBS Sports‘ Jared Dubin, Hendrickson is one of the best available edge rushers on the market, making him a prime target for the Cowboys. “Dallas needs pass rush help in the worst way, and Hendrickson is the best available edge rusher on the market,” Dubin said. He’s right—the Cowboys need someone who can get after the quarterback, and Hendrickson fits the bill perfectly.

Hendrickson, 31, is coming off a slightly down 2025 season, largely due to injuries. Despite missing some time, he still managed four sacks in seven games. More importantly, his production in previous years shows his elite ability as a pass rusher. Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks from 2023-2024 with 35 sacks, establishing himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the league.

Even though his 2025 campaign was hindered by injury, one down season doesn’t make him a liability. Hendrickson has shown throughout his career that he is capable of elite-level production, and a healthy Hendrickson would be an enormous upgrade to the Cowboys’ pass rush. With his experience and consistent production, he could be exactly what Dallas needs to push their defense back to dominance.

Hendrickson’s Projected Value and the Cowboys’ Opportunity

Hendrickson is expected to command a substantial contract in free agency, with projections suggesting he could make up to $50 million over two years. Given the Cowboys’ cap situation, this will likely be a short-term deal, but the Jerry Jones approach of shedding salary by moving on from Parsons could work to their advantage here.

“Jerry Jones’ whole rationale for trading Micah Parsons was that the Cowboys could afford more players by not paying him,” Dubin noted. “He should prove it here.” This trade-off gives the Cowboys the opportunity to build a more complete roster, and Hendrickson could be a pivotal piece of that equation. While his price tag might be high, the Cowboys can create the necessary cap space to make it work, especially if Hendrickson’s deal is structured to fit into their short-term plans.

The Bengals’ Dilemma and Dallas’ Pursuit

One of the challenges in pursuing Hendrickson is that the Cincinnati Bengals may not let him hit the open market. Despite his clear desire for a new contract, the Bengals have yet to give him the financial commitment he seeks. This frustration could lead to Hendrickson seeking a move away from Cincinnati, but the Bengals hold the power to control his fate.

Cincinnati could place the franchise tag on Hendrickson to ensure they don’t lose him for nothing, which would then leave the Cowboys in a difficult position. However, the Cowboys have already inquired about Hendrickson before. Reports indicate that they reached out to the Bengals about a potential trade for Hendrickson ahead of the previous season’s trade deadline, which suggests that they have a long-standing interest in acquiring him.

If the Bengals opt to franchise tag Hendrickson, it will complicate matters for the Cowboys, but it should not deter them. The Cowboys should continue to pursue Hendrickson aggressively, as he could be a massive addition to their defense. Adding Hendrickson to the pass rush would give the Cowboys one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the league, especially if he regains his elite form in 2026.

Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Defense

The importance of adding a player like Hendrickson cannot be overstated. The Cowboys have been searching for consistency in their pass rush for years, and while they’ve had solid contributors, they’ve lacked a truly elite player at the edge rusher position. Hendrickson could change that overnight, providing a reliable and powerful force off the edge.

With DeMarcus Lawrence already a key fixture on the defensive line, Hendrickson’s presence would make the Cowboys’ defense more dynamic. The duo could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, allowing the rest of the defense to thrive. This addition would also benefit the Cowboys’ secondary, as it would give them more time to cover receivers with a more aggressive pass rush.

Additionally, Hendrickson’s ability to pressure quarterbacks on passing downs would help set up other defensive players to make plays. His elite pass rush skills would put the opposing offense under constant pressure, creating opportunities for Trevon Diggs and other defensive backs to make plays on the ball.

The Future of the Cowboys Defense

The Cowboys’ defense has the potential to be one of the best in the league, but it all depends on how they address their needs at the edge rusher position. Hendrickson would provide the team with the kind of presence they’ve been missing, and his ability to generate consistent pressure would elevate the entire defense.

With CeeDee Lamb offering to restructure his deal to free up cap space for a potential George Pickens extension, it’s clear that the Cowboys are willing to do what it takes to keep their core players intact. Similarly, they should be just as determined to add a game-changer like Hendrickson to their roster.

Conclusion: Should the Cowboys Pursue Hendrickson?

The Dallas Cowboys are in a prime position to make a serious push for Trey Hendrickson in free agency. While the financial implications of his contract may be tricky, the team has shown flexibility in making moves that improve their roster. Hendrickson is one of the top edge rushers available, and his ability to impact games immediately makes him a perfect fit for Dallas.

The Cowboys have a chance to solidify their defense with an elite pass rusher, and while there are some obstacles in the way, such as the possibility of the Bengals franchise tagging him, they should pursue Hendrickson aggressively. His addition could make the Cowboys one of the most formidable defensive units in the NFL and could be the missing piece that leads them to a championship contender.

If they want to remain competitive and truly contend for a Super Bowl, going after Hendrickson is a no-brainer for the Cowboys. Now, it’s just a matter of how much Jerry Jones and his team are willing to invest in this opportunity.