Dallas Cowboys Emerge as Top Free Agency Fit for Bengals’ Star Trey Hendrickson

The Dallas Cowboys are targeting a major defensive upgrade. They are considered a prime destination for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. The All-Pro defender is set to hit free agency in 2025.

This move would address a critical need for Dallas. The team’s interest is serious and was established earlier this season.

Cowboys’ Previous Interest Paves the Way for 2025 Pursuit

According to CBS Sports, Dallas was linked to Hendrickson before the trade deadline. This interest emerged during contract tensions with Micah Parsons. The Cowboys reportedly called Cincinnati to inquire about a deal.

That earlier probe makes a 2025 pursuit logical. The team’s defense has improved but still lacks a consistent elite edge presence. Hendrickson would fill that void perfectly.

Jerry Jones faces a significant financial hurdle. The Cowboys are currently over the salary cap. Creative contract structuring would be essential to afford a player of Hendrickson’s caliber.

Why Hendrickson is a Perfect Match for Dallas’s Defensive Scheme

Trey Hendrickson is a proven game-wrecker. He recorded 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. His career total stands at an impressive 81 sacks.

His skill set is exactly what Dallas needs. He possesses a lightning-fast first step to beat offensive tackles. He also has the power to bull-rush and disrupt running plays.

Adding Hendrickson would transform the Cowboys’ pass rush. It would take pressure off a secondary that has struggled at times. This single signing could elevate the entire defense into the league’s elite tier.

The Cowboys’ pursuit of Trey Hendrickson will be a defining storyline of their offseason. Securing his signature would send a powerful message about their defensive ambitions for the 2025 campaign.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Is Trey Hendrickson a free agent right now?

No, he is under contract with the Cincinnati Bengals for the remainder of the 2024 season. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2025, which is when the Cowboys or other teams could officially sign him.

Q2: Why would the Bengals let Hendrickson leave?

The Bengals may struggle to afford a new market-rate contract for the veteran star. With the team’s playoff hopes dim this season, a long-term, expensive commitment to a 31-year-old player coming off surgery may not fit their financial plans.

Q3: How did Hendrickson perform before his injury in 2024?

He was highly productive despite Cincinnati’s struggles. Hendrickson recorded 4.0 sacks in just seven games before undergoing core muscle surgery, showcasing he was still playing at an elite level.

Q4: What is the biggest obstacle for the Cowboys signing him?

The salary cap is the main hurdle. Dallas is currently projected to be over the cap for 2025. They would need to restructure several existing contracts or make other roster cuts to create sufficient space for a major deal.

Q5: What makes Hendrickson a good fit for Dallas?

The Cowboys have rebuilt their defensive interior but lack a dominant, proven edge rusher opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. Hendrickson’s elite pass-rushing skills would create a formidable defensive line and improve the entire unit.