The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason with the goal of acquiring one of the most impactful defenders in the league. However, their pursuit of Maxx Crosby came to an abrupt end when the Las Vegas Raiders traded the star edge rusher to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that included a substantial package of two first-round draft picks. This development has prompted the Cowboys to reassess their strategy for enhancing their pass rush.
In light of this setback, CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell suggests that the Cowboys will likely explore a robust free agent market featuring several high-caliber options. “I think they turned their eyes toward a free agent market that”s pretty deep at some higher-end pass rush options,” Podell remarked while outlining the team”s next moves.
Podell identified three potential targets who could significantly bolster the Cowboys” defense, which struggled to generate pressure on quarterbacks last season. Leading the list is Trey Hendrickson, recognized as one of the league”s most reliable sack artists in recent years. Hendrickson topped the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season and has consistently delivered impressive performances with multiple double-digit sack seasons. Podell emphasized, “Of course you have the 2024 sacks leader Trey Hendrickson who”s going to be available.”
Another player on Podell”s radar is Jaelan Phillips, who ranked among the top ten in quarterback pressures for the 2025 season. After beginning the year with the Miami Dolphins, Phillips was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles at the deadline, where he continued to make his mark as a formidable edge rusher. “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,” Podell noted.
The third name Podell mentioned is Odafe Oweh, a younger player who demonstrated significant potential after joining the Los Angeles Chargers from the Ravens. Oweh concluded the season strong, even setting 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 commented. “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 have multiple avenues to explore as they work to reshape their roster. The franchise has already begun restructuring contracts to create additional cap space, indicating a readiness to make at least one significant defensive acquisition. However, Podell emphasized the importance of balancing aggressive moves with long-term roster management. The Cowboys are unlikely to part with too many premium draft picks, especially given the substantial contracts already committed to several offensive stars.
“They”re paying a lot of offensive players top dollar, whether it”s Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb,” Podell 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.” This financial strategy underscores the necessity for the Cowboys to seek younger, cost-effective talent to revamp a defense that ranked as the worst scoring unit in the NFL by the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Missing out on Crosby is undoubtedly a setback for Dallas, but with several productive pass rushers still available, the Cowboys have the opportunity to address one of their most pressing roster challenges before the start of the 2026 season.
