After losing out to Maxx Crosby, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are keeping an eye on Pro Bowl linebacker Jonathan Greenard. 

Trey Hendrickson has also been severely linked to the Cowboys ever since the Cincinnati Bengals did not tag him. Greenard and Hendrickson both remain options for Jones and the Cowboys. 

However, how they acquire these two players is completely different. While Hendrickson is a free agent, Greenard is going to enter year three of the $76 million contract he signed back in 2024 with the Vikings.  

If Dallas wants the linebacker, they need to strike a deal with the Minnesota Vikings. One thing to note: the Cowboys will also take on that expensive contract with $38 million remaining to be paid to the linebacker. 

While this could help the Cowboys, it would still be better for them to get Hendrickson from free agency. In Greenard's case, they would take on an expensive salary and most likely would give up draft picks in the process. 

Another worrying thing about the Cowboys going after Greenard is his defensive production. In the 2025 season, he recorded just three sacks in 12 games. 2023 and 2024 were miles better as the linebacker crossed a 12-sack mark in both seasons. 

The Vikings, on the other hand, would gladly engage in trade talks for Greenard, as they would save $12 million in cap space and potentially receive draft picks in return. 

All of this just leads to Trey Hendrickson. Dallas would not need to give up picks or take on an expensive existing salary. Hendrickson is a four-time Pro Bowler and was named to the First-Team All-Pro in 2024. 

Although there are a lot of reasons why Dallas should avoid Greenard, there might be some interest after all.

Another reason for the Cowboys to go after Jonathan Greenard

Acquiring the likes of Greenard seems like an exceptionally tall order right now. While names are going around in free agency, it seems easier to do. The Cowboys could make that trade. 

The Dallas Cowboys have a new and young defensive coordinator. Christian Parker will lead the Dallas defense in the 2026 season. Parker has hired Marcus Dixon as the Cowboys' defensive-line coach. 

This is where you can understand how things relate. Marcus Dixon previously worked with Jonathan Greenard at the Minnesota Vikings. 

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys could make a move for the linebacker, given their prior connection with the D-line coach, Marcus Dixon. 

Cowboys fans, how would you rate Jerry Jones' strategies ahead of the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Kalp Thaker