The Cowboys were among the teams which made a major push to acquire Maxx Crosby. With him no longer on the market, however, Dallas’ attention will now shift to free agency. 
A number of options will be available on the open market. A big-ticket addition would go a long way in helping aid the Cowboys’ pass rush, and depth signings may prove necessary as well. Each of Jadeveon Clowney, Sam Williams, Dante Fowler and Payton Turner are currently on track to reach free agency.
With respect to potential Dallas targets, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Trey Hendrickson remains a pass rusher receiving considerable attention. The Bengals opted to avoid using the franchise tag on Hendrickson, setting him up for a Cincinnati departure. The Cowboys have been mentioned as a logical landing spot in his case, although the 2024 sack champion’s preference may be to sign with the Buccaneers and by doing so remain in Florida.
According to Fowler, the Cowboys also have Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh and Boye Mafe on their radar. Phillips is the only pass rusher ranked ahead of Hendrickson on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agent list. He is a candidate to remain in place with the Eagles after being acquired from Miami at the trade deadline. Otherwise, a strong market will be in store for the former first-rounder. Phillips only played 12 games between the 2023 and ’24 seasons, but a full slate this past campaign will help ease durability concerns in his case.
Oweh was also dealt in the middle of the 2025 season. He thrived upon arrival with the Chargers, racking up 7.5 sacks in 12 games. Los Angeles is interested in keeping the 27-year-old on a new deal, although fellow edge rusher Khalil Mack was re-signed yesterday. That certainly suggests Oweh will at least explore his options once the negotiating window opens tomorrow.
Mafe saw his Seahawks workload reduced during their Super Bowl campaign. That points to a departure, although coming off a season with just two sacks his market will likely not be as strong as some of the other pass rushers in position to land a new contract. Mafe would be a strong scheme fit for Dallas, with the team changing to a 3-4 base under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
The Cowboys recently took the expected route of restructuring several contracts. That moved Dallas into cap compliance but there is still work to be done to generate the funds needed for an active free agent period. If a major splash is to be made on the open market, one of the top edge rushers will likely be the target.
Easy to identify. These are the top edge-rushers in free-agency. Dallas top need is edge and they will be getting one of these players imo. My money would be Boye Mafe. He will cost $$ but not as expensive as Trey. Although, Jalen Phillips would be the logical choice due to his play in the vangio defense this past season.
How does Dallas pull off this trade? Doing so would cost a ton of draft capital and then they gotta fit him under the cap….Pickens for Hendrickson straight up?
He’s a free agent
These are free agents. No trade, just money! DAL recently redid 3 contracts. They have several more to clear money to get these done. Also keep in mind the cap is going up 30 million this year.
Yeah this is the weird one. Tye cowboys just did a few totally obvious ones, ceedee, dak, smith and that was only to get to even. I’m guessing releases will open stuff up. Also, it’s actually help them to have pickens off the tag…. Complex for sure.
I guess my reading comprehension isn’t up to snuff lol
Will the Cowboys get the hard charging Hendrickson or the out of shape guy who thought he could walk off the street and play at a high level (spoiler alert) he couldn’t, or play his way into game shape ( spoiler alert) he couldn’t do that either. His body broke down in rather spectacular fashion a few games in and he sat on his butt for the rest of the year. He could have at least tutored Murphy and Stewart. But he didn’t. Nice team player.
Jones should pursue Jaelen Phillips since he worked under Parker. Also Jones needs to sign his ex teammate Nakobi Dean at LB. Terrell Edmunds formerly of the Bears should be considered as OLB in the event Overshown’s gimpy knee does not hold up in 2026. Cowboys can then concentrate on drafting a corner and a safety in the draft.