The Dallas Cowboys defense continues to be a work in progress, prompting some speculation the front office could make additional moves before the NFL trade deadline on November 4, 2025. Dallas could still use legit pass rushers given the Micah Parsons sized hole that has been left in Big D.
The Cowboys are hoping Jadeveon Clowney can be a temporary solution, but there is a potential trade candidate who is one of the top NFL pass rushers. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson ranked among the top trade candidates.
Hendrickson has been in a standoff with the Bengals over a contract extension. What would the Cowboys need to give up to land Hendrickson?
Bleacher Report projects that Hendrickson’s trade value is a conditional 2026 second-round pick. Dallas would also likely need to be prepared to sign Hendrickson to a contact extension.
Here is what you need to know about a potential Cowboys-Bengals trade.
The Bengals May Be Willing to Cut Ties With Trey Hendrickson Given Joe Burrow’s Injury
Hendrickson signed a renegotiated one-year, $29 million contract as a temporary solution. The 4-time Pro Bowler is slated to be a free agent in 2026, but the Bengals could also use the franchise tag to retain Hendrickson.
Even with Burrow behind center, Cincinnati probably can’t overcome a suspect defense enough to make a deep playoff run,” Knox wrote in an October 1, story titled, “2025 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 5.” “Therefore, it would make sense to cash in pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Season-ending injuries to players like Nick Bosa and Marcus Davenport might help allow the Bengals to get something close to their asking price for the 30-year-old,” Knox added.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported in August that the Bengals wanted a 2026 first-round pick and a young defensive player in return for Hendrickson. They probably can’t expect that now, but a desperate team may offer something close to it.”
Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson Had Back-to-Back Seasons With 17.5 Sacks
Hendrickson posted back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks and more than 40 tackles. The veteran notched 46 tackles, 36 quarterback hits and 17.5 sacks in 17 starts during the 2024 season.
Through the first four games of 2025, Hendrickson has 11 tackles, six quarterback hits and two sacks. Given Joe Burrow’s injury, it may be time for the Bengals to build for the future and get something in return for Hendrickson.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Potential Trades: ‘I’m Open for Business’
The Cowboys have hinted that more moves could be on the way given the team has two extra draft picks from the Parsons trade. Dallas is allowing 33 points per game, the second worst unit in the NFL.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on if they’re open to adding defensive help via trade: ‘Absolutely, I’m open for business period relative now that we have those extra picks. We should be.’” The Athletic’s Jon Machota noted in a September 19, message on X.
The Bengals are 2-2 but have lost their last two games. Things could go from bad to worse without Burrow, meaning Hendrickson is a player Cowboys fans should keep an eye on as the trade deadline gets closer.
