As the quest continues for the Dallas Cowboys to win a Super Bowl for the first time in 30 years, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is surprisingly going to be a “big” spender in free agency. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine, Jones isn’t holding back on what he’s envisioning for Dallas and would reportedly “hitchhike” to bring the Cowboys back in the championship conversation. While actions speak louder than words, the Cowboys haven’t been the type of team to spend on a top-tier free agent in recent memory. However, Jones isn’t getting any younger, and he might finally realize the clock is ticking, especially for quarterback Dak Prescott, who’s entering a pivotal moment in his career to lead this offense.
After re-signing running back Javonte Williams to a three-year deal, nobody should expect the Cowboys to spend big on offense. They have George Pickens left to sign on a huge extension after tagging him, and could bring in a low-stakes veteran wideout to replace Jalen Tolbert. According to a source, the contracts of Prescott, guard Tyler Smith and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will be restructured make at least $66 million in cap space. Here are three free agent targets for the Cowboys if they truly want to change the trajectory of their defense, which struggled last season, and help their spectacular offense stay on the field.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones:
“I can see us being aggressive in free agency.” pic.twitter.com/7PZEw0ocVy
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) February 28, 2026
“Bust The Budget” 3 Potential Defensive Free Agent Targets for Cowboys, Ranked
3. Jaylinn Hawkins
The Dallas Cowboys had one of the worst secondaries in football last season. With Trevon Diggs gone and Donovan Wilson likely heading to free agency to find a new home, the Cowboys need to do something to wake this pass secondary up. Patriots free agent Jaylinn Hawkins provides some type of promise if Jones is truly willing to spend the top dollar for him. While Hawkins is regarded as an “under-the-radar” free agent, he’s still coming off a breakout year in New England.
Despite the Patriots losing in this year’s Super Bowl, the Cowboys should keep a close eye on him, who posted a career-best 74.9 PFF overall grade. Hawkins isn’t going to light up the secondary overnight, but Dallas needs to bring in someone explosive to help an older Malik Hooker.
2. Devin Bush
The Browns plan on bringing linebacker Devin Bush, but the Cowboys could steal him as soon as the first day of free agency. It’s no wonder why the Browns want him back despite the Browns entering another rebuild mode led by new head coach Todd Monken. Other than exploding during his tenure with the Steelers, the linebacker continued to prove he’s a revelation despite the faulty Browns defense. Bush priced himself among other linebackers such as Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean, so this should be the Cowboys’ dream target.
While many suggest that Lloyd and Dean will likely sign with Dallas, Bush offers more of what Dallas should be looking into. The Browns veteran amassed 125 tackles (seven for loss), eight pass deflections, four quarterback hits, three interceptions, two forced fumbles (one recovery) and two sacks during the 2025 regular season. The Cowboys should keep an eye out.
1. Trey Hendrickson
With the Bengals likely unable to meet Trey Hendrickson’s contract demands, the Cowboys could shock the league by signing him to a monster deal. Despite Hendrickson getting older, the team is in dire need of a reliable, ferocious pass-rusher to help middle alongside Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark. If the Cowboys acquire Hendrickson via free agency, expect this defensive line to be at its best in many generations.