Last season, the pass rush of the Dallas Cowboys was always a day late and a dollar short. While the team showed some flashes between the veteran play of Jadeveon Clowney and the quick development of rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, the lack of a consistent squeeze on opposing quarterbacks became a glaring issue by season’s end. Without a formidable pass rush, opposing quarterbacks attacked an already vulnerable secondary whose coverage clock dwindled faster than a McGruber explosive device after he cuts
the wrong wire.
Front office rumors and insider reports suggest that Jerry Jones is ready to go big game hunting to fix this defensive void. Over the last few weeks, the Cowboys have kept a very close eye on the situations surrounding both Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson. However, on Friday, any thoughts of a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire Crosby have been squashed as he was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks. The attention now shifts to making a massive splash in free agency, with Hendrickson being a top target.
Trading for Crosby would’ve been the equivalent of dropping a Tasmanian Devil into the opposing backfield. He is a three-time All-Pro known for an elite motor that simply does not have an off switch, leading the league in tackles for loss multiple times. His strength lies in his relentless pursuit and his ability to defend the run just as well as he stalks the quarterback. Bringing him to Dallas would have given the Cowboys a player who treats every snap like it is his last and, once again, giving the team one of the game’s best pass rushers.
However, the cost of acquiring the Condor was enough to make any general manager sweat. The Raiders’ price was two first-round picks. And that doesn’t even account for the fact that they’ll have to add his salary to the payroll. Trading away a big chunk of the draft haul they received for Micah Parsons would have left many fans questioning the team’s maneuvering tactics, as the Day 1 draft prospects they are preparing to receive would have suddenly disappeared.
While the allure of a flashy trade for Crosby was tantalizing, securing Hendrickson is actually the more calculated and effective move. The Cincinnati Bengals’ pass rusher brings an elite level of consistent production that often surpasses the hype surrounding bigger names. He is a master of the quick pressure, consistently ranking at the top of the league in sack rate and pass rush win percentage. His ability to convert speed to power makes him a nightmare for left tackles, providing the kind of relentless edge presence that would perfectly complement the existing talent in the Cowboys’ defensive line.
There’s no question that Crosby is the better player of the two. Crosby is a three-down player who can be a force against the run and on passing downs, whereas Hendrickson is exclusively a pass-rushing specialist. Age also goes to Crosby as he is three years younger; however, because Hendrickson’s usage has mostly come in passing-rushing situations, he actually has considerably less mileage. He’s logged 4,578 career defensive snaps compared to 6,449 of Crosby.
At 31 years old, there is always the looming fear of a sudden decline in athleticism. And despite his age, Hendrickson’s contract expectations remain high, likely seeking a deal that pushes him near the upper echelon of edge rushers. That’s a high price for a one-trick pony, but it allows the Cowboys to provide a huge boost to their pass rush without emptying the draft cupboard. This means the team can still add two of the top collegiate defenders to package with Hendrickson, who collectively can provide better help to the defense.
When weighing the two options, trading for Crosby was the splashier move for a team that wants to fast-track its edge rushing rebuild. His age, versatility, and sheer leadership would’ve transformed the team’s defensive line production immediately. But surrendering that much draft capital would have been astronomical. Props to the front office for not panicking and holding firm on their price. The team can now employ their contingency plan, and that involves doing something they never do – spending a huge amount of money in free agency.
When one door closes, another one opens up, and Jerry still has a chance to flip this script and help bring a little balance to the team. And he can come away looking like a genius if he can land one of the league’s premier pass rushers while still managing to hang on to the team’s top draft picks.
