Cowboys’ Salary Cap Flexibility Sets Stage for Major Trade Move

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9 of the NFL season. With the trade deadline looming, the focus has shifted to potential player acquisitions. Recent reports indicate that the Cowboys are exploring high-profile trade options to bolster their defense.

Cowboys Linked to Major Defensive Players

The Cowboys have been notably linked to pass rushers such as Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals and Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks in 2024, appears to be a prime target, especially after the Bengals’ disappointing loss opened up the possibility of a trade. Meanwhile, Crosby’s recent social media activity has fueled speculation about his availability.

Trade Rumors Intensify

• Hendrickson’s trade availability arose following a loss by Cincinnati.
• Crosby’s cryptic social media post has sparked further interest.
• The Cowboys have made inquiries about both players in the past weeks.

As the trade deadline approaches on November 4 at 4:00 p.m. ET, the Cowboys’ move to acquire a star player could significantly impact their season. The team’s owner, Jerry Jones, faces criticism over his past reluctance to make big trades, often citing salary cap restrictions.

Salary Cap Flexibility

The Cowboys currently have the second-most salary cap space in the NFL, boasting $31.5 million. This places them behind only the New England Patriots, who have $54.4 million in available cap. The Washington Commanders are also in the mix with $27.4 million.

This financial flexibility could enable the Cowboys to pursue high-profile targets without disrupting their salary structure. The potential for a trade hinges on effectively utilizing this cap space to bring in a key player.

Looking Ahead

As the Cowboys prepare for their game against Arizona, the anticipation of a trade looms large. With their defensive needs, the addition of a player like Hendrickson or Crosby could provide the boost they require.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Jerry Jones will capitalize on this opportunity as the trade deadline draws near.