Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson underwent surgery on Tuesday, per Ian Rapoport, meaning his season is over.
"Trey Hendrickson had core muscle surgery this morning, source said, Rapoport reports. "His season is over, but he should be fully recovered in 6 or so weeks."
And while Hendrickson may be out for the remainder of 2025, multiple teams should keep a close eye on his health, as he will hit the free agent market in 2026. One of those teams who should absolutely be interested in Hendrickson is the Dallas Cowboys.
When you look at Dallas' pass rush this season, it has been one of the worst in the NFL. Per Next Gen Stats, the Cowboys rank 20th in the NFL in sack percentage and they are 18th in sacks. We all know that Jerry Jones likes to make a splash, which he did at the trade deadline this season by bringing in Quinnen Williams to put next to Kenny Clark.
Being that the Cowboys are in need of a high-end edge rusher, Hendrickson will almost certainly be in their sights to help improve a defense that is allowing the fourth-most yards per game.
Hendrickson is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, making it to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2021-24. He earned First-Team All-Pro status in 2024 after leading the NFL in sacks. When healthy, he is one of the very best edge rushers in the NFL, but the injury is something to keep a close eye on, especially when it comes to a 31-year-old edge rusher.
Dallas may try to double dip when it comes to edge rushers, as they could sign a player like Hendrickson and also draft a high-caliber edge rusher in the early portions of the NFL Draft in April.
There is plenty of time to worry about that, though. For the time being, Dallas is still alive in the NFC East race, sitting two games behind the Philadelphia Eagles with four weeks remaining in the season. The Cowboys will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 15.
More NFL News
Trey Hendrickson has likely played his last game with Cincinnati Bengals
Colts aiming to bring Philip Rivers out of retirement after Daniel Jones injury
Titans veteran call out Cam Ward for attitude after win over Browns