As the Dallas Cowboys continue their quest for a Super Bowl victory, a title that has eluded the franchise for 30 long years, team owner Jerry Jones is preparing for a major shift in how the team approaches free agency.

At the 2026 NFL Combine, Jones sent waves through the league when he revealed that the Cowboys would be “big spenders” in the upcoming free agency period, a rare declaration from the typically conservative owner.

“It’s time to be aggressive,” Jones told reporters, emphasizing that the Cowboys need to make bold moves to return to the championship conversation. While Jones has often been hesitant to spend heavily on outside free agents in recent years, the urgency surrounding his team’s Super Bowl aspirations is growing, especially with Dak Prescott entering a pivotal phase in his career.

After re-signing running back Javonte Williams to a three-year deal, the focus for the Cowboys is shifting to their defense, which struggled in the 2025 season. They are unlikely to spend much on offense this offseason, as they are already committed to key contracts with Prescott, guard Tyler Smith, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who will see their deals restructured to free up at least $66 million in cap space.

While the Cowboys have several positions to address in free agency, the spotlight is on bolstering their defense, which underperformed last season despite boasting a powerful offense. With Jones making it clear that the team will be aggressive, fans and analysts alike are speculating about who the Cowboys might target to turn around their defensive fortunes.

Here are three potential defensive free-agent targets the Cowboys should consider, ranked by the impact they could have on the team’s trajectory.

3. Jaylinn Hawkins – The Secondary Boost

The Dallas Cowboys faced significant struggles in their secondary last season, especially after the departure of Trevon Diggs and with Donovan Wilson likely heading to free agency. Their pass coverage was one of the weakest in the league, making it clear that upgrading the secondary was essential.

Jaylinn Hawkins, a free agent from the New England Patriots, could be the solution the Cowboys are searching for. Hawkins is not widely recognized as one of the top defensive free agents, but he comes off a breakout year with the Patriots, finishing with a career-high 74.9 PFF grade. While Hawkins may not immediately transform the secondary, he represents an explosive option to help stabilize a unit that was consistently picked apart.

His addition would provide much-needed depth to an aging Malik Hooker and could solidify the Cowboys’ defensive backfield. Hawkins’ versatility and experience with a high-pressure defense like the Patriots would be a valuable asset, especially given Dallas’ struggles to contain passing attacks last season.

2. Devin Bush – The Linebacker Solution

The Cleveland Browns are expected to make a push to re-sign linebacker Devin Bush, but the Dallas Cowboys could swoop in and steal him away on the first day of free agency.

Bush, known for his impressive play with the Pittsburgh Steelers, continued to impress during his time with the Browns despite a defense that struggled overall. His versatility, combined with his ability to contribute both in pass coverage and against the run, makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ defense, which needs a playmaker in the middle of the field.

During the 2025 season, Bush amassed 125 tackles, seven for loss, eight pass deflections, and three interceptions, among other notable stats. His strong ability to cover ground and pressure the quarterback would be a perfect complement to the Cowboys’ defensive line, which already features talents like Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark.

While Bush may be priced similarly to other linebackers such as Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean, he offers a more proven track record and could provide the immediate help that the Cowboys need in the heart of their defense. The Cowboys would be wise to keep a close eye on Bush’s situation and consider him a top target if they want to improve their linebacker corps.

1. Trey Hendrickson – The Elite Pass-Rusher

Perhaps the most impactful move the Cowboys could make this offseason is signing Trey Hendrickson, the star pass-rusher from the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson has been a consistent force on the edge, making a name for himself with a relentless motor and the ability to disrupt quarterbacks in critical moments.

The Bengals may not be able to meet Hendrickson’s contract demands, which could open the door for the Cowboys to make a shocking move and sign him to a massive deal. Hendrickson’s ability to generate pressure in passing situations is precisely what Dallas needs to complement its interior defensive line and create havoc for opposing offenses.

At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Hendrickson is an imposing figure, combining speed, strength, and technique to become one of the top pass-rushers in the league. In 2025, he finished the season with 14 sacks, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and earning a spot among the top edge defenders in the league.

While Hendrickson’s age (he’ll be 30 in 2026) may raise some concerns, his production and physicality make him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ defensive line. If Dallas can secure him in free agency, Hendrickson would immediately bolster the team’s pass rush and help take some of the burden off of their younger, developing players.

The price tag for Hendrickson will likely be high, but considering the Cowboys’ current defensive needs and their commitment to winning now, it could be a worthwhile investment. Adding a proven playmaker like Hendrickson would take Dallas’ defense to another level, creating an edge rush that would rival the best in the league.

Conclusion: A Busy Offseason Ahead

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a crucial offseason, with Jerry Jones pledging to be more aggressive than ever in free agency. With a need to improve their defense and a window for contention that is narrowing, the team must make bold moves to elevate its roster.

Jaylinn Hawkins, Devin Bush, and Trey Hendrickson represent three players who could help the Cowboys shift the trajectory of their defense. Each one offers unique strengths that would help plug critical gaps, whether it’s improving the secondary, bolstering the linebacker corps, or enhancing the pass rush.

For the Cowboys to make a real run at the Super Bowl, they need to address these needs with impactful free-agent acquisitions. With Jones ready to spend big, the coming months will reveal whether the Cowboys can make the moves necessary to push them back into championship contention.

The clock is ticking for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, and with an aggressive free-agent strategy, they may finally make the moves that have eluded them in recent years.