Reigning NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson has expressed his desire to leave the Cincinnati Bengals, sparking Trey Hendrickson Cowboys trade rumors as teams consider possible destinations for the star pass-rusher. With the Dallas Cowboys holding about $32 million in salary cap space, speculation has intensified around whether they could be a landing spot for Hendrickson amid ongoing contract negotiations and salary constraints.
The NFL offseason is typically quiet around early July, with rosters set and training camps weeks away, yet Hendrickson’s situation has generated an unusual buzz. Numerous insiders and analysts have linked Hendrickson with the Cowboys, often describing potential moves as “blockbuster” or “proposed,” despite a lack of concrete evidence or official confirmation. However, the prevailing chatter has not yet translated into actionable developments.
One recent article from Last Word on Sports highlighted Dallas’s efforts to build a strong defense under new coordinator Matt Eberflus. It emphasized recent acquisitions like Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray Jr., suggesting that adding Hendrickson could provide a significant boost to the defensive line following Demarcus Lawrence’s exit.
The Dallas Cowboys have been stacking up on talent defensively ever since they hired new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus,
Last Word on Sports stated.
After signing Jack Sanborn and trading for Kenneth Murray Jr., they have some type of life following Demarcus Lawrence’s departure. The hope is that they can extend Micah Parsons, but it would be interesting to see if Dallas could one day get Hendrickson to boost them to a well-rounded defensive line.
Despite such speculation, Cowboys representatives have downplayed the rumors, viewing them as little more than fan-driven fantasy scenarios rather than realistic trade possibilities. Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 last season, is reportedly seeking a substantial contract extension. The Bengals have not yet met his demands but have allowed him to explore trade options.
Financially, Hendrickson is projected to command a contract worth around $30 million per year. At the same time, Dallas is actively working on a new deal with defensive star Micah Parsons and is unlikely to allocate a large portion of its salary cap to one player. The potential scenario of combining Parsons and Hendrickson under contracts totaling approximately $70 million annually seems unlikely given the current cap situation.
The Cowboys will convene for training camp on July 21 in Oxnard, California, where resolving Parsons’ contract talks could quiet much of the media speculation. Meanwhile, Hendrickson’s future remains a topic of tense discussion within the AFC and NFC East divisions, especially as other top players such as Terry McLaurin and T.J. Watt also face contract uncertainties and possible holdouts.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the Hendrickson trade rumors illustrate the complex balancing act teams face managing talent, salary cap limitations, and contract negotiations. While interest in Hendrickson remains strong, any move involving the Cowboys will depend heavily on the outcome of ongoing financial talks and roster priorities in the weeks leading up to training camp.