The Dallas Cowboys are in full swing with their player acquisitions as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the 2026 season.

Their offense remained a stable powerhouse, but their defense in particular let them down last season. In the Cowboys’ quest to find a good edge rusher to plug the defensive gap, they were hoping to land Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Interest, however, seems to have cooled off as the Cowboys are not willing to part ways with multiple first-round picks in exchange for Crosby.

Rumors of Crosby leaving the Raiders began swirling last season after he was sidelined for the final two games of the season with an ankle injury. Crosby insisted he could have seen out the season before undergoing surgery. But ultimately, this caused a rift between him and the management.

Crosby also had his ankle flare up in 2024, with him playing just 24 games. Given all of this, the Cowboys would be better served to target others, with Trey Hendrickson on top of their wishlist.

Trey Hendrickson set to be targeted as Crosby alternative

The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision not to slap the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson has ended his stint with them, as he has become a free agent.

Hendrickson posted on social media, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the team.

“To the organization: Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level. I was and always will be proud to have worn the Cincinnati Bengals logo and honor the history behind it," he said.

The Bengals signed Hendrickson in 2021, and he spent five seasons with them. In his tenure, he ranks second in the NFL in pressure rate (13.2%) and fourth in total sacks (61).

According to NFL writer Trey Wingo, the Dallas Cowboys could look to swoop in on Hendrickson after potentially missing out on Crosby.

He wrote, “Things are moving fast re Maxx Crosby. Last night Dallas thought they were close to a deal but since then other teams have raised the ante and potentially are offering the Raiders two 1st round picks. Expected Dallas to now shift their focus to Trey Hendrickson.”

It remains to be seen whether Jerry Jones and the front office are willing to bring Trey Hendrickson to AT&T Stadium.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker