The Dallas Cowboys offense has been incredible through the first six weeks, scoring 29.7 points per game, the third most points per game in the league before Week 7. However, the defense isn’t doing its part, giving up 30.7 points per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL.
The disparity in play between the offense and defense accounts for the Cowboys 2-3-1 record. Questions have surrounded first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and his scheme, which might not be a good fit for the roster.
The defense lost a key player before the season, when Cowboys owner Jerry Jones traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks (2026, 2027). Following the trade of their best pass rusher, Dallas is ranked 22nd in total sacks (11), averaging just 1.8 sacks per game.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 18: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals tackles Cooper Rush #10 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on S…Read More
Per Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Cowboys are expected to be in the trade conversation for Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
“Finally, sources say they believe the Dallas Cowboys will be in the market for Hendrickson, assuming they are still in the playoff mix come November,” Pauline wrote.
Hendrickson has recorded 15 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one four sacks through his first six games this season. The All-Pro recorded 17.5 sacks in each of his previous two seasons. Hendrickson signed a one-year deal worth $29 million with the Bengals in August.
With Joe Burrow on injured reserve with a toe injury he suffered in Week 2, Cincinnati has gone 2-4 to begin the season and could soon decide to be sellers at the trade deadline. Following the standoff between the Bengals and Hendrickson before the season, it didn’t appear likely that the defensive end had a long future in Cincinnati.
Earlier this week, Jones expressed willingness to consider a trade to help the defense.
“If we can improve our team and it makes sense for what we give up in the future, all of it’s there,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “We have major, major, major resources that we wouldn’t have had if we didn’t make that (Micah Parsons) trade. I promise you, yours truly or anybody associated with the Cowboys has got our eyes really open to ways we can help this defense — and I certainly don’t want to preclude anything on offense, either.”