Dallas Cowboys eyeing All-Pro defender to fix defense

The NFL’s new league year is approaching, and teams have started their 2026 roster plans. This includes cuts, trades, and projected free agent signings.

The Dallas Cowboys are among those teams looking to make moves this offseason. They already franchise tagged George Pickens, now they need the defense addressed.

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On Thursday, reports surfaced that the Cowboys have their eyes on a particular player. Cincinnati Bengals free agent EDGE defender Trey Hendrickson is the name they are eyeing.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) watches a replay as the Detroit Lions celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. The Bengals continued a losing streak, falling 37-24 to the Lions.

The Cowboys felt the missing piece on their defense after they traded away Micah Parsons. Now they will try to acquire Hendrickson to fill that void.

Hendrickson made four consecutive Pro Bowls going into last season. His 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury. The Bengals didn’t tag Hendrickson, making him available for teams like the Cowboys.

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From 2021 to 2024, Hendrickson recorded 57 sacks and 53 tackles for loss. He had been seeking a worthy contract extension since the 2023 season’s end; however, Cincinnati wasn’t willing.

Injured Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) walks the sideline in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. The Bengals fall to 3-8 with a 26-20 loss at home.