Like someone grocery shopping after payday, the Cowboys have needs and they have hunger heading into free agency. Now the question: which players could be on their shopping list?
We know the Cowboys feel content with the offensive side of the ball. Running back Javonte Williams is already back on a big extension. Wide receiver George Pickens was franchise tagged, putting him in the Cowboys’ control for at least the next season if the sides don’t figure out a long-term extension.
The defense, on the other hand, is fraught with needs and potential areas of improvement. That’s where the Cowboys plan to allocate their resources this offseason, including their two first-round picks, and with a cap situation that could grow more spacious by the time the new league year starts.
So, who should the Cowboys consider targeting? Here are high-priced options, middle-tier options, and budget-friendly options in free agency at positions of need.
Cowboys
(Note: all market values are according to Spotrac.com.)
Defensive end/Outside linebacker
Big money: Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (Market Value: $25.4 million annually)
Want to prove you’re willing to bust the budget? Find a way to land one of the big fish in free agency. Hendrickson being on the market has been long anticipated. Now that the moment is here, Hendrickson will certainly be looking to capitalize on it. The Cowboys should be interested, too, now that they’ve missed out on a trade for Maxx Crosby. Hendrickson had 35 combined sacks in 2023-24 and would instantly, even at 31, raise the entire floor of the Cowboys defense.
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Middle man: Patriots edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson ($8.9 million)
The Cowboys were once interested in drafting Chaisson in the first round, but then CeeDee Lamb fell into their lap. Could the Cowboys go after Chaisson now? Chaisson had a breakout season with the New England Patriots, finishing with 7.5 sacks. He also had 74 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. He won’t break the bank, but he won’t come cheap, either.
Budget-friendly: Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy ($3.5 million)
One thing to remember when it comes to edge rushers and outside linebackers: it’s one of the most important positions on the field, so finding budget-friendly options doesn’t come without risk. Van Noy is in this category because he will be 35 when the next NFL season kicks off. He’s also someone who should bring some veteran experience wherever he goes. The Cowboys are looking for great players and great communicators on defense. Van Noy could help with the latter while also potentially mentoring the young linebackers the Cowboys already have on their roster.
Inside linebacker
Big money: Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd ($20.1 million)
For what it’s worth, I don’t think the Cowboys would pay this much for an inside linebacker, but let’s entertain the idea, anyway. The Jaguars probably wished they had picked up Lloyd’s fifth-year option because he had a breakout year this past season. Now he’s expected to be the highest-paid free agent linebacker on the market. Would he fill a need for the Cowboys? Undoubtedly. Would they pay that much for him? Unlikely.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the third quarter of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Arlington.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
Middle man: Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean ($7.9 million)
The Cowboys are looking for a partner for DeMarvion Overshown. Dean fits the bill. Dean is a downhill linebacker who’s proven to be an excellent blitzer. He also has the potential to wear the green dot for the Cowboys — an important role under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Dean, of course, worked with Parker in Philadelphia. Multiple people familiar with the Cowboys’ thinking indicated Dean should be a major target when free agency opens.
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Budget-friendly: Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal ($4.6 million)
Chenal was a versatile rotational piece for the Kansas City Chiefs for the last four seasons. He played outside linebacker, weakside linebacker, and projects as a potential middle linebacker. He played well in those roles, too. The risk lies in the projection, but going after Chenal, while also drafting an inside linebacker, would be interesting.
Cornerback
Big money: Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor ($11.1 million)
The Cowboys need a versatile player who could be their “star,” which means lining up anywhere from safety, to nickel corner, to even rushing off the edge. Taylor, in terms of free agents, would be an ideal fit. The former second-round pick had two interceptions, two sacks and seven tackles for loss last season. This might be the most important position for the Cowboys to find a player, and Taylor might be the best of those options.
Middle man: Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (N/A)
It was reported by ESPN on Friday that Buffalo would part with Johnson, a longtime standout for the Bills. He should fall into the middle-man category of slot corner value. Johnson was a second-team All-Pro in 2023. He would instantly bring a veteran presence to the Cowboys’ defense.
Budget-friendly: Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou ($2 million)
The former East Texas A&M standout was trending toward a bigger payday until he tore his ACL, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season. He’s expected to be healthy. From a talent and production standpoint he makes a lot of sense as a slot corner option for the Cowboys. Dallas, however, already has a bunch of secondary players with injury concerns. Would a cheaper deal be worth the risk?
Safety
Big money: Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson ($9.5 million)
New Cowboys cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith worked with Thompson in Arizona. There’s familiarity there, but there’s also intriguing talent with Thompson. Thompson has the versatility to play safety while also playing star in Parker’s defense.
Middle man: Eagles safety Reed Blankenship ($7.1 million)
Blankenship is someone who worked closely with Parker in Philadelphia. That would bode well for a defense that wants to ensure good communication and alignment. Blankenship had seven interceptions in 2023-24 combined. It’s also worth wondering if a strong safety draft class could bring the price down for free agent safeties like him.
Budget-friendly: Broncos safety P.J. Locke ($3.5 million)
Locke, also, has connections with Parker. Parker was the cornerbacks coach in Denver prior to joining the Eagles. Locke started just three games last season but could find a larger role elsewhere. Could it be back in his home state of Texas?
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