Logo

Everything Should Have Been Done Earlier – Cowboys Make a Surprise Move to Sign the NFL’s Sack Leader Before He Falls Into the Hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DALLAS – While many teams are still waiting for the NFL free agency period to officially open, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly made a surprising move to pursue pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, one of the league’s recent leaders in sacks. The move is seen as an effort by Dallas to gain the upper hand before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, another team heavily linked to Hendrickson, can finalize a deal.

Over the past few seasons, the Cowboys have built one of the most dangerous defenses in the NFL. However, the organization still believes it needs another game-changing edge rusher to truly compete for a championship. Hendrickson, known for his relentless ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, is viewed as an ideal target to elevate the defense to another level.

Although Hendrickson’s most recent season was disrupted by injuries that forced him to miss several games, his earlier production still commands enormous respect around the league. In the two seasons prior, Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back years, including a season in which he led the entire NFL in sacks, firmly establishing himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in football.

Sources around the league suggest that Dallas did not want to wait any longer, especially with the Buccaneers widely considered a natural landing spot for Hendrickson. The veteran pass rusher is a Florida native, played his college football at Florida Atlantic, and often spends his offseason living in the state — factors that make Tampa Bay an appealing destination.

Because of that, the Cowboys are believed to have accelerated their internal discussions and outreach in an attempt to convince Hendrickson that Dallas offers the best opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. With an already talented defensive roster, adding Hendrickson could create a terrifying pass-rush combination capable of putting constant pressure on the top quarterbacks across the NFC.

The potential move would also represent something of an uncharacteristic decision for Dallas, as the organization rarely invests heavily in players who are already in their 30s. Still, many analysts believe that a short-term deal for a proven impact player like Hendrickson could be exactly what the Cowboys need if they are serious about making a Super Bowl push.

With the NFC becoming increasingly competitive, the Cowboys understand they cannot rely solely on the roster they already have. Adding an elite pass rusher such as Hendrickson could be a critical step toward transforming a talented team into a legitimate Lombardi Trophy contender.

If Dallas manages to complete the move before the Buccaneers can act, it could go down as one of the franchise’s boldest decisions in years — and perhaps one that many believe should have been made much earlier.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Cowboys Preparing Second Meeting With ‘Lockdown’ Cornerback Target – Dallas Quietly Eyeing Defensive Star Who Could Change the Secondary Overnight
Dallas, Texas – March 15, 2026 The Dallas Cowboys may not have made the splashy free-agency moves many fans expected this offseason, but behind the scenes the organization is preparing for a critical decision that could reshape its defense. And one name is quickly rising to the top of their draft board: LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. With the No. 12 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Cowboys appear to be positioning themselves for a serious run at the talented defensive back. After already meeting with Delane at the NFL Combine, Dallas is now preparing for a Top 30 visit, signaling growing interest in one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the class. The timing is not accidental. Dallas entered free agency hoping to strengthen the roster, but aside from acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary and signing safety Jalen Thompson, the team’s moves were far from the aggressive spending spree owner Jerry Jones once hinted at. That reality leaves the Cowboys with a clear path forward: the draft must deliver immediate impact players. And Delane might be exactly that. The former LSU standout has quickly climbed draft boards after a breakout season that caught the attention of scouts across the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Delane ranks as the No. 9 overall prospect in the entire draft and the top-rated cornerback available. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Delane possesses the traits of a true lockdown defender. “Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft,” Zierlein wrote. “He excels in press coverage, disrupting releases with physicality while staying connected in man coverage with smooth hips and efficient footwork.” Even more impressive, Delane played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season while still performing at an elite level — a sign of the toughness and competitiveness teams covet at the position. There is also a personal connection that could strengthen Dallas’ interest. Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith was the coach who originally recruited Delane to Virginia Tech before the defensive back transferred to LSU. When asked about Smith at the combine, Delane smiled. “That’s my guy,” Delane said. “He recruited me to Virginia Tech. Maybe we’ll be able to reunite.” For Dallas, the timing could not be more important. The Cowboys’ cornerback room currently carries both potential and uncertainty. DaRon Bland remains the most reliable presence, but injuries have limited his consistency since his All-Pro season in 2023. Behind him, players like Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant, and Caelan Carson still have questions to answer. Adding a young cornerback with genuine lockdown potential could immediately stabilize the unit. And if Delane is still on the board when the Cowboys are on the clock at No. 12, the decision in Dallas might become very simple. Because while the Cowboys’ offseason may have felt quiet to fans, the front office appears to be preparing for a move that could define the future of their defense.

Latest Posts