The Dallas Cowboys have yet to bust the budget, here 3 ways they could still do it
Day 2 of NFL free agency is underway and the Dallas Cowboys still have a chance to bust the budget.
It’s been nearly 24 hours since the NFL’s free agency frenzy kicked off, and the truth is the Dallas Cowboys’ free agency has been underwhelming.
There’s a lot of time and a few big-time options available, so things could certainly change. But as of right now, this isn’t the “bust the budget” offseason the Cowboys teased. To make matters worse, they have lost multiple bidding wars, including for star DE Maxx Crosby in the trade market, and for free agent linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, both of whom are heading to the Las Vegas Raiders.
So as we gear up for another busy day of free agency, here are three ways the Cowboys could still do some budget busting.
1. Sign DE Trey Hendrickson
The Cowboys already traded for EDGE Rashan Gary but it shouldn’t stop them from landing an All-Pro difference-maker like Hendrickson.
Despite being 31 years old, Hendrickson is only a year removed from back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons. And while his 2025 season was hampered by a hip/back injury, he’s been durable throughout his career.
Obviously, it will be a challenge to get a deal done as he’s expected to sign for around $25 million per year. But if the Cowboys are going to make a major impact with a single move, it’s through Hendrickson. The fact that he’s still available with many top edge rushers off the market suggests a deal can get done.
2. Trade for a LB
The Cowboys missed out on Walker and Deane, as mentioned above. But now, Devin Lloyd is also off the market and frankly, Dallas is running out of options at LB. Former Kansas City Chiefs LB Leo Chenal remains available, but he may not be the prototypical middle linebacker the Cowboys need.
So what about a trade? Cowboys insider Jane Slater linked the team to Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen, who could be on the move this offseason.
If Dallas is willing to give up another draft pick, maybe their fourth, to land a player owed $13.3 million in 2026, it could be considered an aggressive move for the Cowboys. And it’s one they kind of need.
3. Sign CB Riq Woolen
The market has been surprisingly quiet for Woolen, who is one of the best CB targets available, but one of the riskiest. Does new Cowboys DC Christian Parker want a high-risk, high-reward type of ball hawk?
Woolen entered free agency ranked 44th in our A to Z Sports’ Top 100 free agents.
“The skinny on Woolen is that you are getting an incredibly traits-dominant corner with a nose for the football,” Rob Gregson writes. “That will pique the interest of many teams.”
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