Sportsnaut
The Dallas Cowboys could be the biggest beneficiary if the Cincinnati Bengals go into sell mode after an ugly upset loss in Week 8.
On Sunday, the Cowboys will be aiming to score a key road win in Denver over the Broncos. A victory would move their record to 4-3-1 and get them over .500 for the first time this season. Due to the outstanding play of Dak Prescott and the offense, there is renewed hope that Dallas can be a serious playoff contender this year after starting the season 1-2-1.
However, if they want to compete for a postseason birth, they must improve their pass rush and secondary. Last week, rumors swirled that they are trying to make an impact move on defense before the NFL trade deadline, and they even reportedly attempted to pry Maxx Crosby away from the Raiders. Well, a just as good alternative should be available starting on Monday.
The Bengals entered Week 8 off a big win against the Steelers last week. On Sunday, they had a very winnable matchup at home against a 0-7 Jets team. Well, they blew a 31-16 lead in the fourth quarter and suffered their worst defeat of the season. The loss drops them to 3-5 and puts serious doubt in their ability to stay in the playoff chase until Joe Burrow possibly returns in December.
If Cincinnati is smart, it should read the writing on the wall and start to sell players while they can. And the one they should prioritize is star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. They were unable to agree on an extension before the season with the impending free agent. There is no reason to assume they will get it done in the spring. Instead of losing him on the open market after a losing season, they need to get something for him now.
After shockingly trading Micah Parsons before Week 1, the Cowboys badly need a game-changing pass rusher. At least for the rest of the season, the four-time Pro Bowler would fill that need perfectly. Dallas owner/general manager Jerry Jones is well known for overspending. Could the Bengals get one of the two first-rounders Jones received in the Parsons trade? It’s something they should look into.
But even if they don’t get a first-rounder, there is a real chance the Cowboys will offer up multiple second and third-rounders to avoid an embarrassing season outside the playoffs. A week ago, there was no chance the Bengals would trade Hendrickson. Now it is very possible, and Dallas could get him.
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