Cowboys' Free Agency Targets: Hendrickson, Taylor, Dean

0:00On March 5th, the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2026 NFL Free Agency with plenty of cap space and a strong offense, but they need to fix. Their defense to contend. Experts point to three top targets who could transform the unit. Defensive N. Trey Hendrickson, cornerback Alonthai Taylor, and linebacker Nekope. Dean, Trey Hendrickson tops the list as the number one free agent per pro football focus. Despite some injuries last season, he posted elite past rest grades over five straight years and remains a force when healthy. He could command around $25.4 million per year on a two-year deal. Testing owner Jerry Jones is willing this to spend big. Meanwhile, Alonthai Taylor offers versatility in the secondary as a tall, fast corner with strong run defense and cover skills. He has deflected 52 passes since entering the league in 2022 and might cost about $77 million over four years, pairing him with young talent like Shavon Revel could solidify

1:03the back end. Another smart move would be linebacker Nekope Dean, a 25-year-old from division rival Philadelphia. His market value sits at $31.6 million over four years, making him more affordable. Dean racked up 128 tackles in 2024 and brings blitzing upside despite a bumpy 2025. If Jones lands even two of these guys and they stay healthy, the Cowboys defense could go from week to dominant, setting up a real playoff push next year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year. Year.