The primary objective for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason should be closing the gap on the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.
Much to the dismay of Cowboys fans, the Eagles and Commanders met in the NFC Championship Game, with the former going on to dismantle the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
It's a deserved ring for Philly, though Dan Quinn deserves immense credit for helping to end Washington's NFC title game drought. Hitting on Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick played a vital role in the Commanders' turnaround. As did new ownership green-lighting a historic spending spree last offseason.
Quinn's team has been just as busy after falling short against the Eagles. They've traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil in a shocking deal with the Texans and acquired another weapon for Daniels in the form of longtime 49ers star Deebo Samuel.
It's the aggression you'd like to see Dallas adopt, but Quinn and Co. might not be done making blockbuster deals.
Commanders are primed to trade for disgruntled Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson
Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, is due for a contract extension but the team has not made a concerted effort to get a deal done.
Hendrickson appeared on the Pat McAfee Show last week and aired his grievances, saying the process and lack of communication from Cincinnati have been "frustrating." This comes after the Bengals confoundingly prioritized extensions for receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
While insider Ian Rapoport noted on Tuesday that the Bengals want to pay Hendrickson, further alienating the star defender only increases the likelihood of a trade. Should tensions reach a boiling point, you have to think Quinn and the Commanders will have an offer ready.
Washington is clearly in win-now mode while Daniels is on his rookie contract. They only have five draft picks this year after all of their wheeling and dealing. However, their second-round choice (No. 61 overall), and a potential day three pick, may pique the Bengals' interest
Quinn's roster is in great shape, but EDGE is a glaring weakness. The Commanders showed interest in Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and DeMarcus Lawrence but they all signed elsewhere. They don't have a single defensive linemen that posted more than five sacks in 2024. Only Dante Fowler crossed that threshold and he signed with the Cowboys in free agency.
Hendrickson would set Washington's roster over the top and there have been no reports to suggest he and the Bengals are close to finding common ground. Hendrickson finding his way to the Commanders would be a brutal turn of events for Dallas amid another sluggish offseason.
