The Dallas Cowboys have been busy ahead of the start of free agency, as they swung a big trade with the Green Bay Packers for Rashan Gary that could drastically alter the team’s plans moving forward. In exchange for Gary, the Cowboys are sending a 2027 fourth-round pick back to the Packers.
After dealing Micah Parsons to Green Bay right before the start of the 2025 campaign, Dallas has been looking for pass rushers who could come in and replace him. As a result, one guy the Cowboys had been heavily linked to ahead of free agency was former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, but it sounds like the team’s decision to trade for Gary has changed their plans.
Cowboys Not Expected to Pursue Trey Hendrickson After Rashan Gary Trade
Despite coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw him rack up just four sacks in seven games, Hendrickson is one of the top players available on the free agent market this offseason. In both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Hendrickson managed to rack up 17.5 sacks, so when he’s healthy, it’s clear he’s one of the best players at his position in the league.
Given its need for pass-rushing help, Dallas was expected to be one of Hendrickson’s top suitors. Acquiring Gary will likely change things, though. After earning the first Pro Bowl selection of his career in 2024, Gary wasn’t as good in 2025, but he still put up some strong numbers that made him an intriguing trade target for the Cowboys (45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one pass deflection, one forced fumble).
With Gary in town, that seemingly has thrown a wrench in Dallas’ plan to pursue Hendrickson. According to a recent report, though, it sounds like the expected price of Hendrickson’s market pushed the Cowboys to trade for Gary. And unsurprisingly, the team is no longer expected to try to sign Hendrickson in the wake of this deal.
“The Cowboys checked in on Trey Hendrickson — but it does not appear they are heavy in that market unless the price comes down,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported in a post on X.
Cowboys Still Looking for More Pass Rush Help After Acquiring Rashan Gary
GettyRashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers warms up against the Dallas Cowboys before the game at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Gary’s acquisition seemingly crosses off a big item on the Cowboys’ to-do list, but rumors are still linking them to other edge rushers. Hendrickson may not be a part of that group, thanks in large part to the price tag associated with him, but Dallas is still expected to make some moves at this spot, even with Gary onboard now.
After missing the playoffs in 2025, it’s clear that the Cowboys are operating with a sense of urgency this offseason, as they have been busy before the legal tampering period has even opened in free agency. With the market set to unofficially open in less than two hours now, expect Dallas to remain busy, as it could continue targeting some of the top defensive linemen in the league.
Cowboys’ Trey Hendrickson Pursuit Gets Update After Rashan Gary Trade