Cowboys and Chiefs are putting finishing touches on a trade they're probably surprised is even happening

About a couple of hours after it was reported the Dallas Cowboys were releasing tight end Peyton Hendershot , the team stumbled upon a trade partner that will be glad to give them compensation for him:

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Cowboys are finalizing a trade that would send a conditional seventh-round selection in exchange of Hendershot, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. The pick in question is for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hendershot played 25 games with the Cowboys over the last couple of years, with his participation being mostly focused on special teams. During this year's training camp and preseason, Hendershot battled for a TE3 spot in Dallas but was considered the underdog to second-year TE John Stephens Jr., who we've come to learn is very well liked by the Cowboys coaching staff.

Ultimately, this is a win-win-win for all parties involved. The Cowboys are getting something in return for a player they would've released anyways, Hendershot is landing on a Super Bowl favorite team, and the Chiefs secure the guy they wanted without having to wait him out on the waiver wire.

It's not like they're getting big-time compensation but considering the Cowboys appeared to be ready to move on from Hendershot by simply releasing him, there's a high likelihood the team is surprised a trade was even agreed to.

By the way, the Cowboys need one of the following to happen if they're to receive a draft pick: Hendershot must be on the Chiefs' 53-man roster for five games or on the 46-man gameday roster for three games.

Overall, this is a win for the front office. The Cowboys now are set to enter the season with Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and John Stephens Jr. at tight end. Perhaps a fourth name could join the list.

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