The Dallas Cowboys have been busy in the offseason, making moves to solidify their roster and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. One of the most recent moves that has caught the attention of fans and experts alike is the trade for defensive end Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. While this is an exciting addition to the team, there has been some speculation about how this trade could affect their pursuit of free agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson. However, despite the trade, the Cowboys’ chances of signing Hendrickson are still very much alive.
For those who may not be familiar with Hendrickson, he is a talented pass rusher who had a breakout season with the New Orleans Saints in 2020. He recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks and was a key contributor to the Saints’ dominant defense. With his impressive performance, it’s no surprise that many teams, including the Cowboys, have expressed interest in signing him.
So, what does the trade for Gary mean for the Cowboys’ pursuit of Hendrickson? At first glance, it may seem like the Cowboys have filled their need for a pass rusher with the addition of Gary. However, it’s important to remember that in the NFL, you can never have too many talented players at any position. With injuries and other unforeseen circumstances, depth is crucial for a team’s success.
In addition, Gary’s arrival does not necessarily mean that the Cowboys are no longer interested in Hendrickson. The trade for Gary could actually work in their favor when it comes to negotiating a contract with Hendrickson. With the addition of Gary, the Cowboys now have more leverage in their negotiations with Hendrickson. They can use the argument that they have already filled their need for a pass rusher with Gary and therefore do not need to overspend on Hendrickson.
Furthermore, the Cowboys have shown that they are not afraid to have multiple talented players at the same position. Just look at their wide receiver group, which includes Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup. All three players are considered top receivers in the league, and the Cowboys have managed to make it work. This shows that they value talent and depth, and they are not afraid to invest in it.
Another factor that could work in the Cowboys’ favor is Hendrickson’s desire to play for a winning team. The Cowboys have made significant improvements to their defense this offseason, and with the addition of Hendrickson, they could become one of the most formidable defenses in the league. This could be a major selling point for Hendrickson, who has yet to experience playoff success in his career.
It’s also worth noting that the Cowboys have the cap space to sign Hendrickson to a lucrative contract. They have already made moves to free up cap space, and with the recent restructure of quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract, they have even more room to work with. This puts them in a strong position to make a competitive offer to Hendrickson.
Of course, there is always the possibility that Hendrickson may choose to sign with another team. However, the Cowboys have shown that they are serious about pursuing him, and they have the means to make a compelling offer. It’s also worth mentioning that Hendrickson has yet to sign with any team, indicating that he may be waiting for the right opportunity. With the Cowboys’ recent moves, they could be that opportunity.
In conclusion, the trade for Gary does not necessarily mean that the Cowboys are out of the running for Hendrickson. In fact, it could work in their favor when it comes to negotiations. The Cowboys have the cap space, the need for depth, and the potential for success to entice Hendrickson to join their team. While nothing is certain in the NFL, it’s safe to say that the Cowboys’ pursuit of Hendrickson is far from over. As fans, we can only hope that they are successful in landing this talented pass rusher to bolster their already impressive defense.