Cowboys Predicted to Acquire $14 Million Pass Rusher

Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Cowboys Predicted to Acquire $14 Million Pass Rusher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 4:42 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are getting ready for their second season under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. There is no doubt they are looking to improve after going just 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs for a second straight year.

The Cowboys' biggest struggles last year came on the defensive side of the ball. They ranked 30th in total yards per game allowed (377) and 32nd in points per game allowed (30.1).

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones dove into the offseason looking to make improvements. Two of the biggest moves included signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal and trading a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for EDGE Rashan Gary.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

However, with the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Cowboys may be looking to make another move. Bleacher Report's Alex Kay predicts Dallas will trade for New York Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux.

"New York isn't likely to garner any offers better than a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 pick for his services," Kay wrote. "Dallas has several draft picks in this range it could use to make a run at Thibodeaux, including Nos. 92 and 112 overall... Trading for Thibodeaux is the type of gamble the Cowboys must make if they are going to make significant defensive strides in 2026 following last year's abysmal showing."

Thibodeaux appeared in 10 games for the Giants last season, racking up 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, 11 pressures and two pass deflections. It wasn't an extremely productive year, but his 11.5 sacks back in 2023 do show the ability to have more of an impact.

As Kay noted, it likely wouldn't take more than a mid-round pick to acquire him, making it a low-risk move. The Cowboys also wouldn't be tied to the pass rusher long-term. Thibodeaux is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season, playing on a $14.75 million fifth-year option.

A move like this could give Dallas a much-needed boost off the edge, adding a young playmaker to their defensive front before the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: