The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to trade superstar edge-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the regular season raised eyebrows across the NFL. Owner Jerry Jones has repeatedly stated he has no regrets about the move, but the team’s recent actions suggest otherwise. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are actively scouring the league for a pass-rusher to bolster their defensive front, with Cincinnati Bengals’ star Trey Hendrickson emerging as a prime target.
Fowler reported on Wednesday that Dallas, equipped with two first-round picks in 2026 and a total of seven draft selections before compensatory picks, has inquired about Hendrickson, though the Bengals have no intention of trading him at this stage. “Several other edge rushers will be available league-wide, so expect the Cowboys to get involved in various talks,” Fowler noted, indicating Dallas is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to replace Parsons’ production.
The Bengals’ stance on retaining Hendrickson was firm earlier in the season, as they believed quarterback Joe Burrow could propel them into the playoff picture. However, Burrow’s turf toe injury in Week 2, which has sidelined him for multiple months, has complicated their plans. Sitting at 3-4 after a three-game losing streak, Cincinnati made a bold move by acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. Flacco struggled in his first start, a loss to the Packers, but rebounded impressively with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns in a narrow victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, keeping the Bengals’ postseason hopes alive.
With Flacco throwing to dynamic receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati remains committed to holding onto Hendrickson, a key piece of their defensive line. The Bengals face a favorable stretch in their schedule, hosting the winless New York Jets (0-7) and the Chicago Bears (4-2) in their next two games. A pair of wins could push their record to 5-4, solidifying their position in a weakened AFC North and making a Hendrickson trade even less likely. However, a 3-6 record heading into their bye week, followed by a tough road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 16, could shift the narrative.
Hendrickson’s contract, a $29 million deal set to expire in March 2026, adds another layer of intrigue. As the NFL’s reigning sack champion, he will become an unrestricted free agent if not re-signed, making him an attractive target for teams like Dallas. Should the Bengals falter in their upcoming games, their resolve to keep Hendrickson could weaken, opening the door for the Cowboys to make a compelling offer.
Fowler’s reporting suggests Dallas is poised to act decisively if the opportunity arises. With ample draft capital and a clear need for a dominant edge-rusher, the Cowboys are likely to be at the forefront of any trade discussions for Hendrickson, signaling that the Parsons trade may not have been the final chapter in their defensive overhaul.