The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason with the hope of acquiring one of the NFL”s most formidable defenders. However, the pursuit of Maxx Crosby came to an unexpected halt when the Las Vegas Raiders traded the star edge rusher to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a significant package that included two first-round picks.
This development not only dashed the Cowboys” hopes for a blockbuster trade but also sparked discussions regarding their next steps to enhance their pass rush. As noted by CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell, the Cowboys are likely exploring a free agent market that still boasts several top-tier pass-rushing options. “I think they turned their eyes toward a free agent market that”s pretty deep at some higher-end pass rush options,” Podell stated while outlining Dallas” forthcoming strategies.
Podell identified three players who could be viable additions for the Cowboys as they aim to strengthen a defense that struggled significantly with quarterback pressures last season. Leading this list is Trey Hendrickson, recognized as one of the league”s most consistent sack producers in recent years. Hendrickson topped the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season and has recorded several seasons with double-digit sacks. Podell emphasized that a player with such a proven track record would effectively address one of Dallas” most pressing weaknesses. “Of course you have the 2024 sacks leader Trey Hendrickson who”s going to be available,” he remarked.
Another candidate pointed out by Podell is Jaelan Phillips, who concluded the 2025 season ranked among the top ten in quarterback pressures. Phillips began the season with the Miami Dolphins before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles at the deadline, where he continued to excel in generating pressure from the edge. Podell noted, “Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips ended the year top ten in quarterback pressures after going from the Miami Dolphins to the Eagles at the trade deadline.”
The third player mentioned by Podell is Odafe Oweh, a younger talent who made significant contributions after joining the Los Angeles Chargers following his stint with the Ravens. Oweh made headlines by establishing a Chargers playoff record with three sacks in a single game against the New England Patriots. “And then maybe there”s someone a little younger like Odafe Oweh from the Chargers,” Podell said. “He came on strong in the second half of the season… and set the Chargers single-game playoff sacks record sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye three times.”
With these options still on the table, Podell believes the Cowboys are likely to remain proactive as they reshuffle their roster. The team has already begun restructuring contracts to create salary cap space, indicating that the front office is gearing up for at least one significant defensive acquisition. However, the franchise faces the challenge of balancing aggressive moves with long-term roster strategy.
Podell explained that the Cowboys are unlikely to part with too many premium draft picks, especially after committing substantial contracts to several offensive stars. He elaborated on the importance of maintaining these picks for Dallas” future. “They”re paying a lot of offensive players top dollar, whether it”s Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb,” he explained. “They extended left guard Tyler Smith to the top of the guard market last year, and they”re looking at another near top-of-the-market deal for wide receiver George Pickens.”
In light of these contracts, Podell believes that the Cowboys must lean on younger, cost-effective talent to revamp a defense that ranked as the NFL”s lowest-scoring unit at the conclusion of the 2025 season. While missing out on Crosby was undoubtedly a setback for Dallas, the presence of several impactful pass rushers still available provides the team with multiple avenues to address one of their most significant challenges before the start of the 2026 season.
