![\"Cincinnati](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_337,w_5118,h_2878\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/cowboys_country\/01kjtq1x1a8sjpvw7kpp.jpg\")
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The Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> are looking to bolster their defense this offseason, particularly by upgrading their pass-rushing game, which struggled during the 2025 season<\/strong>. After hearing owner Jerry Jones<\/strong> express his willingness to make bold moves, the Cowboys have set their sights on several potential targets, including a possible blockbuster trade. According to Albert Breer<\/strong>, the Cowboys have been linked to a move for Maxx Crosby<\/strong> from the Las Vegas Raiders<\/strong>\u2014a trade that would require significant draft capital. However, a recent report gives the Cowboys a more affordable option that could fill their edge-rushing need: Trey Hendrickson<\/strong>, the star defensive end from the Cincinnati Bengals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n On March 3, 2026<\/strong>, it was reported by Adam Schefter<\/strong> that the Cincinnati Bengals<\/strong> have decided not to franchise tag<\/strong> Hendrickson, making him an unrestricted free agent<\/strong>. Hendrickson, who was a standout defensive player for the Bengals, will now hit the open market as one of the most sought-after edge rushers available. This decision opens the door for the Cowboys<\/strong> to pursue Hendrickson without having to part with valuable draft picks.<\/p>\n Originally selected by the New Orleans Saints<\/strong> in the third round<\/strong> of the 2017 NFL Draft<\/strong>, Hendrickson quickly developed into a star defensive end<\/strong>. He had a breakout year in 2020<\/strong>, posting 13.5 sacks<\/strong> with the Saints, which earned him a lucrative four-year, $60 million contract<\/strong> with the Bengals. Hendrickson had a solid tenure with Cincinnati, but contract negotiations broke down ahead of the 2025 season<\/strong>, which led to trade rumors that linked him to several teams, including the Cowboys.<\/p>\n While the Cowboys<\/strong> were previously linked to Hendrickson via trade rumors, the move to free agency<\/strong> allows them to pursue him without having to give up any of their draft assets<\/strong>. This is crucial, especially since the Cowboys are aiming to hold on to their two first-round picks<\/strong> in the upcoming NFL draft<\/strong>, which could be used to address other needs on the roster.<\/p>\n Signing Hendrickson would give the Cowboys a proven pass-rusher who has consistent production<\/strong> over the years, including an impressive 14.5 sacks<\/strong> in 2024<\/strong>. With the departure of Micah Parsons<\/strong> possibly looming, Hendrickson could complement a retooled defensive line and provide a veteran presence on the edge.<\/p>\n However, there is one major factor that any potential suitor will need to consider: Hendrickson\u2019s health<\/strong>. The veteran defensive end finished the 2025 season<\/strong> on injured reserve<\/strong> due to a core-muscle injury<\/strong>, which will require surgery<\/strong>. As a result, teams, including the Cowboys<\/strong>, will need to evaluate his rehab progress<\/strong> before committing to a deal.<\/p>\n Already 31 years old<\/strong>, Hendrickson is likely to be viewed as a short-term solution<\/strong> for any team that signs him, and his health will be a determining factor. Ideally, teams will want Hendrickson to be fully healthy<\/strong> by Week 1<\/strong> of the 2026 season, but his recovery will need to be closely monitored by medical professionals.<\/p>\n If Hendrickson proves to be healthy and ready to contribute, he would be an ideal fit for the Cowboys\u2019 defense<\/strong>. The Cowboys<\/strong> are in need of a veteran pass rusher who can make an immediate impact, and Hendrickson\u2019s production when healthy is well-documented.<\/p>\n If Hendrickson is indeed healthy, this could be a game-changing addition for the Cowboys<\/strong>. With an aging and injury-prone DeMarcus Lawrence<\/strong>, and questions surrounding their overall depth on the defensive line, Hendrickson could provide the pass-rush stability<\/strong> the Cowboys need heading into the 2026 season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Additionally, adding Hendrickson would allow the Cowboys<\/strong> to keep their draft picks intact<\/strong> while significantly improving their defensive front. His ability to get after the quarterback and play with aggression would complement other key pieces like DeMarcus Lawrence<\/strong> and Dante Fowler Jr.<\/strong>, giving Dallas<\/strong> a formidable edge-rushing group.<\/p>\n With the 2026 NFL free agency<\/strong> officially starting on March 11<\/strong>, the Cowboys\u2019 pursuit of Trey Hendrickson<\/strong> could be one of their key moves to reshape their defense. The ability to secure a veteran edge rusher like Hendrickson without surrendering draft picks would be a big win for the team. However, teams will be cautious about his injury history, and much will depend on how quickly Hendrickson recovers from his surgery.<\/p>\n As the Cowboys aim to address one of their biggest needs for the future, Trey Hendrickson<\/strong> represents a viable option to solidify the defense and potentially elevate their pass-rush efforts. If healthy, he could make a huge impact, but the Cowboys will need to take a calculated approach as they move forward in free agency.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" DALLAS COWBOYS EYEING TREY HENDRICKSON AFTER BENGALS DECISION TO LET HIM HIT FREE AGENCY \ud83d\udea8 The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bolster their defense this offseason, particularly… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":159556,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-159555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nTrey Hendrickson Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A Chance for the Cowboys to Secure a Pass-Rusher Without Draft Capital<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Hendrickson\u2019s Health and Future Outlook<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A Strong Fit for the Cowboys\u2019 Defense<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Cowboys](\"https:\/\/athlonsports.com\/.image\/c_fill,w_5250,h_3500,g_xy_center,x_2310,y_1330\/MjY6MDAwMDAwMDAwODczMzI3\/usatsi_27664525.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLooking Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n