The Dallas Cowboys have holes all over their defense, but pass rusher is a glaring need. Plenty of fans will call it karma after Jerry Jones shipped out one of the best edge rushers on the planet seven months ago, and rightfully so.
While Dallas has done a commendable job of circumventing Micah Parsons' departure, they'll be setting up new defensive coordinator Christian Parker for failure if they don't get him some reinforcements on the edge to pair with Donovan Ezeiruaku.
A trade for Maxx Crosby is intriguing if the Raiders' reported asking price drops, but longtime Bengals star Trey Hendrickson is the crown jewel of this year’s edge rusher market. But just because Hendrickson towers over his peers doesn't mean Jones should automatically chase him.
While Hendrickson would only cost money, Spotrac projects him to land a two-year deal worth $58.74 million, which is $29.4 million annually. That’s a hefty commitment for a 31-year-old defensive end who appeared in just seven games last season before undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury.
The Dallas Cowboys should think twice about signing Trey Hendrickson in free agency
A two-year deal is hardly a long commitment, but the Cowboys have little -- arguably zero -- margin for error as they work to field a competitive defense while Dak Prescott and the offense are still functioning at an elite level, and Hendrickson comes with a lot of inherent risks.
Hendrickson is just one year removed from leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks, and he made four straight Pro Bowls from 2021 to 2024.
Under normal circumstances, it would be fair to wonder whether his best football is behind him. Add in the fact that he’s coming off core muscle surgery, and the risk factor only grows. He had been incredibly durable up until 2025, but history says the wear and tear doesn’t get kinder after 30.
Committing more than $25 million per year to Hendrickson is a risky endeavor on its own, but the ripple effect could hinder the Cowboys’ ability to address other needs. They already have a ton of money tied up in their defensive tackle trio, and their offense would become among the most expensive in the NFL if they get a deal done with George Pickens.
Signing Hendrickson at Spotrac's projection simply isn't a gamble worth taking. If Jerry Jones wants to make a splash at edge rusher, Odafe Oweh, Jaelan Phillips, Boye Mafe, and Khalik Mack would represent smarter investments.