The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason knowing major changes were necessary after another disappointing campaign. Dallas finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record, placing second in the NFC East. The team also missed the playoffs for the second straight year despite boasting one of the more productive offenses in the league.
With the offense continuing to produce points, the organization quickly identified its defense as the primary area that needed improvement heading into free agency.
One of the players the Cowboys have been linked to in their efforts to upgrade the defense is edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is set to hit the open market after the Cincinnati Bengals declined to place the franchise tag on him.
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According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, Dallas has been monitoring Hendrickson for quite some time as it searches for a premier pass rusher.
“[Dallas] has monitored Trey Hendrickson dating back to the trade deadline. He’s now a free agent,” Fowler reported.
Hendrickson is expected to command a significant contract on the open market. ESPN’s Dan Graziano projects the four-time Pro Bowler could land a three-year $84 million contract, including $28 million in guaranteed money in 2026.
With the star pass rusher still on the Cowboys’ radar, the franchise has already started making financial moves to create the cap flexibility needed to pursue a player of his caliber.
On Monday, the Cowboys reworked one of their existing deals. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the team restructured offensive tackle Terence Steele’s contract, with the new agreement including $22 million in fully guaranteed money and a base value between $33 million and $36 million.
The deal was negotiated by Erik Burkhardt of Roc Nation Sports and will create approximately $13 million in additional salary cap space for Dallas.
Steele’s restructured salary comes after the Cowboys also adjusted QB Dak Prescott and OL Tyler Smith’s deal, creating approximately $47 million in cap space. The front office is also expected to restructure WR CeeDee Lamb’s contract as it evaluates potential free-agent targets.
Landing Hendrickson would represent a major addition to the Cowboys’ defense. The veteran pass rusher recorded a career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023 before leading the league with the same statline the following season. Although he was limited to just seven games in 2025 due to core muscle and hip injuries, he remains one of the league’s most sought-after edge defenders.
