Cowboys Eye Hendrickson to Bolster Pass Rush

Cowboys Target Edge Rusher Amidst Free Agency Frenzy

As the NFL free agency window looms, speculation is rampant about the moves teams will make to reshape their rosters. For the Dallas Cowboys, a significant area of need lies in bolstering their pass rush, and one name repeatedly surfacing is veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Hendrickson: A Fit for Dallas?

During a recent discussion on ESPN’s “Get Up,” analyst Dan Graziano strongly advocated for the Cowboys to pursue Hendrickson. While acknowledging that Max Crosby might be the ideal, albeit more expensive, target, Graziano pivoted to Hendrickson as a more realistic and impactful acquisition.

“I mean, the answer is Max Crosby, but I already gave him to the Eagles,” Graziano stated. “So, let’s give the Cowboys Trey Hendrickson. They need an impact edge rusher.”

Hendrickson, who is nearing the end of his prime at 31 years old, represents a departure from the Cowboys’ typical preference for younger free agents. However, the team’s current situation, potentially needing to replace the impact of Micah Parsons, makes such a move strategically sound. Graziano emphasized the cost-effectiveness of Hendrickson compared to a player like Crosby.

Strategic Value Beyond Max Crosby

Graziano elaborated on the financial and draft capital implications of pursuing Crosby versus Hendrickson. While Crosby would command higher salaries and potentially significant draft picks in a trade, Hendrickson offers a more direct path to immediate impact without depleting future assets.

“Everyone is talking about Max Crosby. Max Crosby is much more expensive beyond the money. He costs you the picks, but you have to trade for Max Crosby.”

“What was the expression? Keep your powder dry. Use those draft picks to address the other two levels of your defense. And go sign Trey Henderson. He may not be as good as Max Crosby, but he is exactly what they need.”

The sentiment is echoed by other analysts, who see Hendrickson as a player capable of making a substantial difference on the defensive line. His track record over the last seven years has been consistently strong, with some suggesting he has been as good as any pass rusher in the league during that span.

Filling the Void and Building Depth

The potential acquisition of Hendrickson could help the Cowboys overcome the void left by Micah Parsons, who was reportedly traded away last summer. Analysts suggest that with Hendrickson in place, Dallas could then focus on other defensive needs through the draft, such as linebackers or cornerbacks.

Tim Hasselbeck, another analyst on the show, agreed with the assessment, highlighting Hendrickson’s consistent performance and the differing acquisition costs compared to Crosby.

“Yeah, I would agree, Greeny,” Hasselbeck said. “And I think your point on, you know, the difference between Crosby and Hendrickson, you know, the the cost to acquire each one is drastically different. And, you know, outside of last year being a bad year for for Hendrickson, he’s actually been as good as any past rusher over the last seven years in the National Football League.”

The Cowboys’ strategy, according to the discussion, should be to “keep their powder dry” with draft picks and use free agency to acquire proven, albeit veteran, talent like Hendrickson to fill immediate needs. This approach would allow them to address other areas of the defense, potentially drafting impact players at linebacker or securing a top cornerback if available.

Looking Ahead for Dallas

The addition of a proven pass rusher like Hendrickson could be a pivotal move for the Cowboys as they aim to contend in the competitive NFC East and make a deeper playoff run. While the move might be uncharacteristic due to his age, the immediate impact and strategic advantages it offers appear to outweigh the perceived risks for some analysts.

Other NFC East Moves Discussed

The conversation also touched upon potential moves for other NFC East rivals:

• Philadelphia Eagles: The team is reportedly looking for “big game hunting” and has been mentioned as a potential suitor for Max Crosby. However, keeping their own talent, like Jaylen Phillips, is also a priority.
• Washington Commanders: Analysts suggested a move for speedster wide receiver Rasheed Shahed, who is seen as undervalued and could provide a much-needed dynamic threat for quarterback Jaden Daniels.
• New York Giants: Discussions centered on the potential value of drafting a running back like Jeremiah Love high in the draft, though concerns about draft value at that position were raised. The team’s offensive line also remains a point of focus.

As free agency officially kicks off, the Cowboys’ pursuit of an impact edge rusher like Trey Hendrickson will be one to watch closely, as it could significantly shape their defensive identity for the upcoming season.

Source: Trey Hendrickson ➡️ Cowboys? 🤠 Dan Graziano is ALL-IN on this move! | Get Up (YouTube)