Happy free agency frenzy day, y’all! It’s true, the new League Year doesn’t start until Wednesday, but starting today at noon ET, the Dallas Cowboys (and the rest of the NFL) will be free to negotiate with players on expiring contracts.

And while the Cowboys are usually quite passive this time of the year, Jerry Jones and company have raised expectations by talking a big game about “busting the budget.” The hype only grew following reports on them being close to trading for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby before losing out to the Baltimore Ravens’ offer.

Now, we’re about to find out if the talk is for real. Below are my five predictions for the Cowboys’ free agency.

1. Cowboys target Trey Hendrickson but miss

According to multiple insiders, the Cowboys plan after losing the Crosby sweepstakes is to pivot to star DE Trey Hendrickson, who is hitting the open market after years of contract drama with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The question is if they’ll win the bidding war. I have a feeling they won’t, but their interest is real.

Hendrickson is expected by many to land a one-year deal but his main issue with the Bengals has been failing to land guaranteed money for multiple years. It’s fair to assume someone will be willing to go the extra mile to win the sweepstakes.

Will it be the Cowboys? For better or worse, they weren’t with Crosby. And historically, it’s what keeps them from landing superstar players in the offseason. They’re just not the kind of front office that wins bidding wars, and missing out on Hendrickson feels inevitable unless they seriously change their ways.

To add to my pessimism on Hendrickson, the price tag is a significant mystery after last week, 31-year-old star DE Danielle Hunter landed a one-year contract extension worth $40.1 million.

Hendrickson is also 31 years old, and he’s only one year removed from an All-Pro season with 17.5 sacks and second place for Defensive Player of the Year. Since 2021, he has four seasons with at least 13 sacks.

Landing him would be massive. But I wouldn’t get my hopes up.

2. Nakobe Dean becomes Cowboys’ top LB

One top free agent I do see the Cowboys landing is Eagles LB Nakobe Dean, who isn’t expected back in Philadelphia. With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker in charge, it makes sense to reunite him with Dean.

Parker was the Eagles defensive pass game coordinator the last couple of years, and the Cowboys like to reunite new DCs with former linebackers of them. Dean could be the ideal middle linebacker for Parker thanks to his versatility.

Whether he’s defending the run, covering, or even rushing the passer, Dean is quite the chess piece at middle linebacker. He’d be my pick for the Cowboys’ biggest free agency signing of the offseason.

3. Cowboys land Boye Mafe

If the Cowboys indeed miss out on Hendrickson, they will have other opportunities to get a starting pass rusher. One name that stands out is Seattle Seahawk’s Boye Mafe.

Mafe is ranked 39th in A to Z Sports’ Top 100 free agents after finishing second among Seahawks EDGE players in pass rush win rate.

“He’s an athletic, stand-up rusher who has a solid array of moves and a quick first step, but his abilities in run defense aren’t the greatest,” writes Evan Winter. “He wins with quickness and is with high-end No. 2 pass rusher with the upside to develop into a No. 1 guy.”

At 27 years old, Mafe is a great candidate for the Cowboys to bet on some upside while also getting a caliber-starter EDGE for lesser money than Hendrickson.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mafe “will be firmly on Dallas’ radar” along with Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and Hendrickson. It’s fair to expect an EDGE signing.

4. Starting cornerback is signed

We’ve covered potential additions at linebacker and edge rusher but the Cowboys can’t afford to stop there. The defensive backfield is filled with roster holes, as well. With Parker having a defensive backs background, I expect him to push for starting talent at both cornerback and safety.

For the former, a name to watch is Alontae Taylor, who has the inside-outside versatility the Cowboys are likely to covet. He’s been reported to be a target for Dallas, as well.

Other names that fit could be fits? Rasul Douglas, Taron Johnson (nickel), and Riq Woolen.

5. Safety is partially addressed

Safety is one that really intrigues me. The Cowboys have Malik Hooker returning but Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas are headed for free agency. How does Dallas go about this position knowing safety is a strong possibility to address in the NFL Draft with pick No. 20?

I wouldn’t expect a splash move here but with Parker expected to install a two-high defense, it will be important to get it right. The natural connection would be Reed Blankenship, who played for Parker the last couple of years in Philly.

“Reed Blankenship has gone from being a day three dart throw to a starting-caliber safety in the NFL over the course of his NFL career,” Rob Gregson writes of A to Z Sports’ 63rd best free agent of the year. “A player who relies on explosiveness and instincts, Blankenship routinely finds his way to the football, serving as a plus one against the run, but also plays in the high post. He made his bones on special teams before being thrust into action, and he never looked back.”

Dallas Cowboys News

NFL insider reveals what kept the Dallas Cowboys from landing Maxx Crosby in a trade, and what’s next

The Dallas Cowboys were not in the winning side of things in the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes.

Mauricio Rodriguez