GS. THE BIGGEST SHOCK: Jerry Jones “Pulls the Trigger” on a Deal That Could Bring the $30 Million “Sack Leader” to Dallas Immediately!
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been reeling since the shocking trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just days before the 2025 regular season began. The loss of Parsons, a generational talent, left a gaping hole in the Cowboys’ pass rush, with the team ranking dead last in total defense, allowing 412 yards per game and managing only 10 sacks through the first five games. However, owner Jerry Jones, known for his bold moves, is reportedly on the verge of a blockbuster trade to bring Cincinnati Bengals’ All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to Dallas, a move that could immediately transform the Cowboys’ defense and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
A Defense in Desperate Need
The Cowboys’ defensive struggles are no secret. Coordinator Matt Eberflus’ unit has been unable to generate consistent pressure, leaving the secondary exposed. According to an AFC scout cited by Between The Hashmarks, cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs have suffered the most from the lack of a pass rush. “Bland and Diggs were the biggest beneficiaries of Micah and the pass rush, forcing the ball out quickly,” the scout noted. Without that pressure, quarterbacks are picking apart Dallas’ secondary, exploiting Bland’s weakness in deep coverage and Diggs’ limitations following his knee injury recovery.
The numbers tell a grim story: the Cowboys’ 10 sacks in five games are among the league’s worst, and their 32nd-ranked defense is a far cry from the dominant unit that once struck fear into opponents. Jones, however, has never been one to sit idly by. After trading Parsons for two first-round draft picks and All-Pro edge rusher Kenny Clark, he vowed to use the newfound cap space and draft capital to bolster the roster. Now, with the November 3 trade deadline looming, Jones appears ready to deliver on that promise.
Trey Hendrickson: The Perfect Fit
Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals’ star edge rusher, has emerged as the prime target for Dallas. Currently playing on a one-year, $30 million contract, Hendrickson has been a consistent force, racking up four sacks in 2025 and 39 since the 2023 season. His relentless motor and ability to disrupt offenses make him an ideal fit for Eberflus’ scheme. A veteran NFL scout told Between The Hashmarks that the Cowboys, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, are among the best matches for Hendrickson’s skill set, citing Dallas’ desperate need for a pass-rushing presence.
The Bengals’ recent turmoil, exacerbated by the loss of quarterback Joe Burrow to a three-month injury, has fueled speculation that general manager Duke Tobin could be open to selling at the deadline. An AFC executive singled out the Cowboys as “a team to watch” if Cincinnati decides to move Hendrickson, suggesting that Jones is prepared to offer a significant package, potentially including one of the first-round picks acquired in the Parsons trade.
A Blockbuster in the Making
Acquiring Hendrickson would not only address Dallas’ immediate defensive woes but also signal Jones’ commitment to keeping the Cowboys’ Super Bowl window open. The 30-year-old pass rusher could be signed to a long-term extension, providing stability to a defense that has lacked a consistent edge presence since Parsons’ departure. With Hendrickson’s proven production and Clark already in the fold, Dallas could rebuild its defensive front into a formidable unit capable of competing with the NFL’s elite.
Sunday’s blowout win over the New York Jets, which improved the Cowboys to 2-2-1, offered a glimmer of hope that this team can turn things around. A marquee addition like Hendrickson could be the catalyst for a second-half surge, restoring confidence in a fanbase still reeling from the Parsons trade.
Rico Dowdle’s Revenge Game Looms
As if the trade rumors weren’t enough to keep Cowboys fans buzzing, Week 6 brings an intriguing subplot: former Dallas running back Rico Dowdle, now with the Carolina Panthers, is eager to prove a point against his old team. Dowdle, who signed with Carolina after Dallas let him walk in free agency, is coming off a career-best performance, rushing for 206 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. “They got to buckle up,” Dowdle warned, via ESPN, hinting at his determination to show the Cowboys what they lost.
Dowdle’s emergence adds another layer of drama to an already pivotal week for Dallas. A win against Carolina, paired with the potential acquisition of Hendrickson, could shift the narrative around this team from one of defensive dysfunction to one of resilience and ambition.
Jerry Jones’ Big Bet
Jerry Jones has never shied away from high-stakes gambles, and trading for Trey Hendrickson could be his boldest move yet. By bringing in a proven sack leader, Jones would not only address the Cowboys’ most glaring weakness but also send a message to the league: Dallas is all-in for 2025. With the trade deadline fast approaching and the Cowboys’ defense in dire need of a spark, all eyes are on Jones to pull the trigger on a deal that could redefine the season—and perhaps the franchise’s future.
