Cowboys Predicted To Sign $50M Former NFL Sack Leader in Free Agency

Dallas expected to make big splash by signing Trey Hendrickson from Cincinnati Bengals.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are predicted to sign former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in NFL free agency. Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks in 2024, is expected to command a two-year, $50 million contract on the open market. The Cowboys have the necessary salary cap space to sign Hendrickson and bolster their pass rush after trading away star linebacker Micah Parsons.

Why it matters

Signing Hendrickson would be a major move for the Cowboys as they look to improve their defense and return to the playoffs. Hendrickson is one of the top pass rushers available in free agency and would provide an immediate boost to Dallas' defensive line.

The details

Trey Hendrickson is coming off a 2024 season where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. However, he was limited to just 7 games in 2025 due to injury. The Cowboys are predicted to sign Hendrickson to a two-year, $50 million contract, which would require them to clear some salary cap space through restructures. At 31 years old, Hendrickson would be a cheaper option than other top pass rushers like Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.

  • The NFL's "legal tampering" period starts on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL calendar year officially begins on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A superstar pass rusher who will become an unrestricted free agent after the Cincinnati Bengals declined to use the franchise tag on him.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who has promised the team will "bust the budget" in free agency.

Micah Parsons

The star linebacker who was traded away by the Cowboys, leaving a hole in their pass rush that Hendrickson could fill.

Maxx Crosby

The Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher who would be a more expensive option for the Cowboys compared to Hendrickson.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys will sign Trey Hendrickson. He would help to buttress their pass rush, which fell over the cliff after the Micah Parsons trade.”

— Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN analyst (ESPN)

“To the organization: Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level. The last five years have been filled with great wins and tough losses. Personal achievements and humbling adversities.”

— Trey Hendrickson (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Signing Trey Hendrickson would be a major move for the Cowboys as they look to improve their defense and return to the playoffs. At 31 years old, Hendrickson would provide an immediate boost to Dallas' pass rush at a relatively affordable price compared to other top free agent options.