The Dallas Cowboys endured a historically poor defensive campaign in 2025, a collapse that ultimately derailed their postseason aspirations. So what would be a better strategy than to recruit Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson, two of the NFL’s best defensive players in 2025?
After finishing near the bottom of the league in several key defensive metrics, including total yards allowed and quarterback pressures, Dallas now enters the 2026 offseason facing urgent questions about how to repair a unit that once served as its backbone.
According to Domonique Foxworth, a former NFL defensive back turned ESPN analyst, the solution may require bold, franchise-altering moves.
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Foxworth proposed an aggressive blueprint: restructure quarterback Dak Prescott‘s contract to create cap flexibility.
That could then allow them to pursue elite pass rushers Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
“They should restructure Dak’s deal to free up some cap room. Then, go after Trey Hendrickson and collect as many picks as possible and players. Trade them to get Myles Garrett,” Foxworth said.
“You want to fix your defense overnight, bring in those two game breakers and put them at both sides of the line.
“I think it makes everybody on your defense a lot better. It takes pressure off of your offense. I think this team becomes one of those kind of overnight Super Bowl contenders if they’re able to overhaul their defense in a way that would be a dream for, I think, Dallas fans.”
A vast improvement of the defense
From a schematic standpoint, the idea carries merit. Pairing Garrett, widely regarded as the NFL’s premier edge defender, with Hendrickson, one of the league’s most productive pass rushers over the past five seasons, would instantly transform the Cowboys‘ front seven.
Garrett recently broke the NFL single-season sack record, further solidifying his reputation as a defensive game-wrecker. Meanwhile, Hendrickson has amassed 61 sacks in 71 games with the Bengals and earned four Pro Bowl selections in the last five years.
However, executing such a plan presents significant logistical challenges. The Cowboys already expended considerable draft capital in 2025 to acquire defensive tackle Quinnen Williams midseason.
That trade cost Dallas a second-round pick in the upcoming draft and reduced its future flexibility by trimming one of its first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Acquiring Garrett alone would likely command a haul exceeding that price, given his age, production, and franchise-player status with the Cleveland Browns.
The realistic chances of signing Garrett and Hendrickson
At present, there is no clear indication that the Browns are willing to part with Garrett. Even if they entertained offers, the bidding would be steep.
Conversely, Hendrickson may represent a more attainable target, as he is entering free agency. Signing him would require cap maneuvering but not necessarily surrendering premium draft assets.
Restructuring Prescott‘s deal could free immediate cap space, though such moves typically push financial obligations into future seasons, limiting long-term flexibility.
For a franchise that has struggled to break through in the playoffs despite regular-season success, the decision ultimately comes down to risk tolerance.
If the Cowboys believe their championship window remains open, an aggressive defensive overhaul centered around Garrett and Hendrickson could signal an all-in approach for Super Bowl LXI.
Whether ownership and the front office are willing -or able – to pay the steep price remains the defining question of their offseason.
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