Money apparently isn't an object for the Cowboys this offseason, according to Jerry Jones, so let's put that to the test.
The Dallas Cowboys haven't been big spenders in free agency for years. But will that change this offseason?
Often penny-pinching for bargain big free agents, the time has come for Dallas to, as our own Mike Fisher says, "buy a Ferrari."
By that, Fish means the Cowboys be active in the first wave of free agency.
Yes, you have to overpay at times, but you are getting a known NFL product. A top-liner.
So, that brings us to who the Cowboys could/should target.
Jerry Jones and his "bust the budget," "finances are no object," and "we’re not saving it in our back pocket” quotes are ringing in our ears.
So, let's use that to our advantage here.
One name that popped up last offseason and has already been doing the rounds is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
Listed as the No. 2 free agent in football per CBS Sports' Garrett Podell, Hendrickson is an interesting option. With his future in Cincinnati seen as over, the market for Hendrickson will be fascinating.
But could he be an option for Dallas? Absolutely. However, there are things to consider.
Because we are dealing with the Cowboys, money is the first thing we have to discuss.
It doesn't seem like anything less than a $30 million APY will get a deal done for Trey, who, before 2025, posted back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons.
Spotrac.com has his calculated market value set at $25.4 million. ... for what it's worth.
Would Dallas be willing to go after a big fish and shore up their pass-rushing issues?
That is one hurdle.
The others are his age and the proposed contract length.
At 31, Hendrickson isn't a spring chicken. Offering big money for an aging player doesn't feel like a recipe for success.
Having only played seven games last season due to injury, that is also something to consider. Although he did play every game in the previous two seasons.
Trey would likely be after a multi-year deal, and at 31 and over $25 million APY at least for a new contract, Dallas would need to think carefully.
It does feel like the Cowboys would only offer a one-year contract for an aging pass rusher, but a call has to be made to Trey's agent to gauge interest.
If the Cowboys did land Hendrickson on a multi-year deal, that would give Brian Schottenheimer's embattled defense serious pass-rushing juice.
There are cons, such as his age and the cost of getting him to The Star. He's not as good as the Raiders' Maxx Crosby. But that would require a trade and more money.
So, stick with Trey ...
Would his expected production, and what he could do for others along the defensive line, outweigh the negatives?
It is certainly a conversation starter.