After eight weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have established themselves as an offensive juggernaut, entering Week 8 ranked second in scoring with an impressive average of 31.7 points per game. However, their high-powered offense hit a roadblock against the Denver Broncos, whose stingy defense—allowing the fourth-fewest points in the league—stifled Dallas’ scoring prowess. Despite their offensive dominance, the Cowboys’ defense has been a glaring weakness, and the team is reportedly taking bold steps to address it.
According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Cowboys have made aggressive moves in the trade market, targeting two All-Pro pass-rushers to bolster their defensive front. Glazer reports that Dallas submitted trade offers to the Cincinnati Bengals for Trey Hendrickson and to the Las Vegas Raiders for Maxx Crosby. Both proposals were rejected, but the Cowboys’ intent is clear: they’re aiming to transform their defense into a force to be reckoned with.
With their record now standing at 3-4-1, the Cowboys face a pivotal moment. The NFL trade deadline on November 4, 2025, is fast approaching, leaving Dallas with limited time to make a blockbuster move. The question now is whether the team will double down on their aggressive approach or pivot to other options as their postseason hopes hang in the balance.
The Bengals, who dropped to 3-5 after their latest loss, might be reconsidering their stance on trading Hendrickson. The elite pass-rusher is entering the final year of his contract, which could make him an attractive trade chip for a team looking to rebuild. However, a recent hip re-injury sustained by Hendrickson on Sunday could complicate negotiations, potentially impacting his trade value and availability.
Meanwhile, the Raiders, coming off a bye week, remain steadfast in their refusal to part with Maxx Crosby. Their position hasn’t wavered, leaving Dallas to explore other avenues to strengthen their pass rush. With just over a week until the trade deadline, the Cowboys’ front office faces a critical decision: pursue alternative defensive talent or make one last push for a game-changing acquisition.
As the rumor mill churns, the Cowboys’ pursuit of Hendrickson and Crosby signals their ambition to pair an elite defense with their already potent offense. Whether they can pull off a historic trade to land one—or both—of these pass-rushing stars remains to be seen, but Dallas is clearly all-in on making a statement before the deadline.