The Dallas Cowboys defense has been abysmal this season, but things could turn the corner for 2026 as two notable Pro Bowl pass rushers could become available in free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identified the Cowboys as a suitor for edge Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Khalil Mack. The Cincinnati Bengals failed to trade Hendrickson at last week’s trade deadline, and Mack may not stay with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2026, amid the final year of his contract.
Dallas ranks 29th for passing yards allowed and 28th for rushing yards allowed, so it will behoove Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to spend on such defensive stars in 2026. The Cowboys defense faltered after trading away star linebacker Micah Parsons before the season, which Jones has taken heat for. The recent tragic death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland also doesn’t help the Cowboys defense for the second half of 2025.
Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, and Mack, a nine-time Pro Bowler, could bring instant leadership and production to the Cowboys next year. Here’s Knox’s breakdown on what each star brings to the table.
Trey Hendrickson Outlook
The Bengals didn’t get what they wanted for Hendrickson at the trade deadline, but that has more to do with other teams’ offers versus what Hendrickson can do on the field.
Hendrickson has four sacks and 11 tackles this season, a year after back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks. Cincinnati didn’t receive more than a fourth-round pick in trade offers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“The reality is Hendrickson will turn 31 in December and has missed time with a hip ailment this season,” Knox wrote. “That’s a combination of factors that makes the sort of contract he’s likely to command risky.”
“Of course, he is the reigning sacks leader and has logged 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons—while doing it in a bad Cincinnati defense,” Knox added. “If things pick back up toward the end of the year, he should be the top edge-rusher on a lot of wish lists.”
Hendrickson just won’t come cheap, which is why the Bengals haven’t resolved their contract issues with him. Knox projects a four-year, $130 million deal for the star, which could be a lot for Jones to spend, since he wasn’t willing to pay Parsons a mega contract.
Khalil Mack Outlook
Mack still has something left at age 35, which he showed on Sunday night with a sack and three tackles in the Chargers’ win over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As Knox pointed out regarding Mack, “he remains a legitimate difference-maker when healthy,” but “may only command one-year contracts” going forward because of health. Knox projects Mack for a one-year, $16 million deal in 2026 — a large amount for Jones to spend but desperately needed for the Cowboys.
“He missed time with a dislocated elbow early this season,” Knox noted regarding Mack. “However, he worked his way back onto the field and has logged eight tackles, three sacks, and four quarterback hits in five games.”
“While Mack may not make his 10th Pro Bowl this season, he’s going to interest contenders in the offseason. He reached 17 sacks just two seasons ago,” Knox added.
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