The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is seeking a trade out of Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Despite Hendrickson’s elite pass-rushing status, Dallas remains cautious due to his steep contract demands and their current salary cap situation.
Trey Hendrickson, the reigning NFL sack leader, has publicly expressed frustration with the Bengals’ front office and has been granted permission to negotiate with other teams. The talented defensive end’s market value is estimated to be close to $30 million annually, a figure that presents a significant financial commitment for any franchise. While the Cowboys have more than $30 million available in cap space, much of it is expected to be dedicated toward finalizing a record contract extension for linebacker Micah Parsons.
Inside The Star, Dallas executives have reportedly discussed the idea of pursuing Hendrickson, but the price tag appears to be a major sticking point. National NFL insider Josina Anderson confirmed this stance, stating,
“Sounds to me like the current amount Trey Hendrickson is seeking is beyond what the Dallas Cowboys would want to spend for a player of his level,” she writes, based on what I’m hearing.”
—Josina Anderson, NFL Insider
The Cowboys’ reluctance indicates they are not actively pushing for the trade despite the rumors swirling around the league. Other outlets like LWOS have speculated that Dallas could be a logical landing spot to bolster their defensive line, especially with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus focusing on improving that unit. Yet, the Cowboys face a difficult balancing act between retaining their core players and adding costly veterans.
Hendrickson’s recent performance underscores why many teams remain interested. Over the last two seasons, he has recorded back-to-back 17.5 sack campaigns, appeared in all 17 games last season, and earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection along with first-team All-Pro honors. Pro Football Focus awarded him an outstanding 88.1 grade in 2024, highlighting his status as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
However, Cincinnati remains committed to contending and values Hendrickson as their top defensive asset. Trading him for draft picks would weaken their immediate defensive strength, complicating any potential deal. Consequently, while Hendrickson may soon leave Cincinnati, it seems unlikely he will step through the doors at The Star in Dallas, at least for now.
Defensive Line Competition Shapes Up at Cowboys’ Training Camp
The Cowboys are closely watching internal competition within their defensive roster, notably between Sam Williams and Donovan Ezeiruaku. Both players are vying for roles and are expected to be key factors in the team’s defensive success this year. The outcome of this contest could influence how much Dallas prioritizes adding an external edge rusher like Hendrickson.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer Addresses Micah Parsons’ Contract Talks
As contract negotiations continue for linebacker Micah Parsons, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has made public comments aiming to balance confidence in the process with a sense of urgency. Parsons is a foundational player, and securing his long-term future remains a top priority for the franchise. The focus on this negotiation partially limits the Cowboys’ flexibility to commit to Hendrickson or another high-priced free agent.