Trading Micah Parsons came as a shock. Now that they’re seven games into the season, it’s clear that the Dallas Cowboys have an elite offense. Defensively? This group needs work.
To no surprise, the Cowboys have struggled to generate sacks after trading their best pass-rusher. The Cowboys rank just 17th in sacks this season. Though, the front office could be actively working to add an elite sack artist to the mix again.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are “on the hunt for an impact defensive player.”
“The Cowboys — armed with two first-rounders in 2026 and seven picks in total before compensatory selections — also have looked into Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, whom the Bengals don’t plan to deal. Several other edge rushers will be available leaguewide, so expect the Cowboys to get involved in various talks.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Cowboys’ trade rumors
Trading Parsons was described as a move that the Cowboys may need years to recover from. Yet, getting an All-Pro pass-rush replacement such as Hendrickson, who actually led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, could be an excellent consolation prize.
Ultimately, it depends on what the Bengals may be asking for in any negotiation for Hendrickson. For now, it appears that he’s not available. Yet, if Cincinnati continues to slip down the AFC standings, a trade involving Hendrickson shouldn’t be out of the question, especially considering he’s under contract for just the rest of the season.
Hendrickson, 30, has already tallied four sacks this season, putting him on pace for a respectable 11.3. That would be Hendrickson’s fifth season with double-digit sacks. Yet, if the Bengals aren’t in postseason contention, then Hendrickson’s production would be better served with a team that still has the playoffs in sight, and there’s no guarantee the Cowboys will be in the mix in the end either.
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