As the 2025 NFL trade deadline looms on November 4, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture. With the team in playoff contention at the end of October, owner and general manager Jerry Jones is reportedly preparing to make a bold move to address the team’s glaring defensive deficiencies. According to league sources cited by Yahoo Sports, Jones is open to a blockbuster trade, potentially shipping a key contributor to an AFC rival in exchange for an elite, plus-sized defensive talent to transform the Cowboys’ roster.
A Defense in Need of a Game-Changer
The Cowboys’ defense has been a point of concern, struggling to generate consistent pressure and stop the run effectively. Despite the presence of star linebacker Micah Parsons, the unit lacks the dominant presence needed to elevate it to championship caliber. The recent trade of Parsons has provided Dallas with additional draft capital and cap flexibility, giving Jones the ammunition to pursue a high-impact player.
Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys are “open for business” at the trade deadline, and speculation is mounting that he is targeting a defensive superstar to anchor the line. Two names have emerged as prime candidates: Cincinnati Bengals’ star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and Tennessee Titans’ dominant defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Both players are proven commodities, boasting a combined three All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl appearances, making them the kind of difference-makers Dallas desperately needs.
The Trade Targets: Hendrickson and Simmons
Trey Hendrickson: The Sack Machine
Trey Hendrickson, the 2024 NFL sack leader and a first-team All-Pro, is a tantalizing option for the Cowboys. The 30-year-old defensive end has been a disruptive force for the Cincinnati Bengals, consistently generating pressure off the edge. Through six games in 2025, Hendrickson has racked up impressive numbers, though exact stats remain fluid as the season progresses. His contract year makes him a prime trade candidate, especially if the Bengals’ playoff hopes falter.
Cincinnati’s season took a hit when star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a significant toe injury, but the acquisition of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has kept the team competitive. If Flacco can stabilize the offense and keep the Bengals in the playoff hunt, they may be reluctant to part with Hendrickson. However, a few losses in the coming weeks could push Cincinnati into seller mode, opening the door for Jones to make a move. Hendrickson’s proven track record—four Pro Bowls and a knack for game-changing plays—makes him an ideal fit for a Cowboys team looking to make a postseason push.
Jeffery Simmons: The Run-Stuffing Titan
Jeffery Simmons, a 28-year-old defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans, is another high-profile target. Selected 19th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, Simmons has established himself as one of the league’s premier interior linemen. A two-time second-team All-Pro (2021, 2022) and three-time Pro Bowler (most recently in 2024), Simmons brings a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism. In 2025, he has recorded 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six run stuffs, and a forced fumble through six games, showcasing his ability to dominate both the pass and run game.
With the Titans struggling this season, they may be inclined to entertain trade offers for Simmons, who remains a valuable asset. His ability to clog running lanes and collapse pockets would address a critical need for Dallas, providing a stout presence in the trenches that complements the Cowboys’ existing defensive pieces.
The Cost of Ambition: Trading a Key Contributor
To acquire a player of Hendrickson’s or Simmons’ caliber, the Cowboys would likely need to part with significant assets, including a key contributor from their current roster. While the exact player remains speculative, Jones’ willingness to deal suggests he is prepared to sacrifice a starter—potentially a high-value offensive player or a young defensive prospect—to secure a transformative talent. The additional draft capital from the Parsons trade could sweeten the deal, allowing Dallas to package picks and a player to entice either Cincinnati or Tennessee.
Such a move aligns with Jones’ “win-now” mentality, as the Cowboys aim to capitalize on their current playoff window. However, trading a key contributor to an AFC rival—whether the Bengals or Titans—carries risks, as it could strengthen a potential postseason opponent. Jones must weigh the immediate boost to Dallas’ defense against the long-term implications of bolstering a competitor.
The Stakes: A Playoff Push or Bust
The success of this potential blockbuster trade hinges on the Cowboys’ ability to remain in playoff contention by the end of October. A strong performance over the next few weeks will give Jones the confidence to pull the trigger on a high-stakes deal. Conversely, a slide in the standings could force Dallas to reconsider its approach, potentially shifting focus to building for 2026.
If Jones does move forward, the addition of a player like Hendrickson or Simmons could reshape the Cowboys’ defense, providing the elite talent needed to compete with the NFL’s top teams. Hendrickson’s pass-rushing prowess or Simmons’ dominance in the trenches would give defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer new tools to craft a more aggressive and effective unit.
Jerry Jones’ Legacy on the Line
Jerry Jones has never shied away from bold moves, and this trade deadline presents an opportunity to cement his reputation as a daring and decisive executive. A successful trade could propel the Cowboys into serious Super Bowl contention, silencing critics who question the team’s defensive depth. However, a misstep could deplete Dallas’ roster and draft capital, setting the franchise back in a highly competitive NFC.
As the November 4 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Jones and the Cowboys. Will he land the plus-sized difference-maker his team craves, or will the Dallas dilemma persist? The next few weeks will tell the tale, but one thing is certain: Jerry Jones is ready to make a splash.