The Dallas Cowboys made a serious push to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby earlier this offseason, and owner Jerry Jones is now shedding light on just how close the deal came – and why it likely won’t happen again.
Speaking publicly about the pursuit, Jones confirmed Dallas aggressively explored a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders before the start of the new league year but ultimately fell short in the bidding process.
I don’t anticipate revisiting that situation,” Jones said. “Is it possible? Yes.
The comments effectively cooled speculation that Dallas could renew its interest after a separate trade sending Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed following a failed physical, leaving the two-time All-Pro back in Las Vegas.
Cowboys’ aggressive offer falls short
According to reports, Dallas submitted multiple proposals, including a package centered on the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a 2027 second-round selection. The offer, however, could not compete with Baltimore’s proposal featuring two first-round picks.
In hindsight, the failed Ravens trade rendered the bidding moot, but Jones acknowledged the Cowboys reached their limit once the asking price escalated.
Dallas has historically explored blockbuster opportunities but often pulls back when long-term draft capital becomes too costly – a pattern that appeared to repeat itself in the Maxx Crosby negotiations.
Despite injury shortening his season, Crosby remained one of the league’s most productive edge defenders, recording:
- 73 tackles
- 28 tackles for loss
- 20 quarterback hits
- 10 sacks in 15 games
His campaign ended early following meniscus surgery, which ultimately contributed to the voided Ravens deal.
Cowboys shifting toward youth movement
While Crosby would have provided an immediate boost to Dallas’ pass rush, Jones indicated the organization’s current direction makes another pursuit unlikely.
Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys appear focused on getting younger rather than sacrificing premium draft assets for a veteran star.
With two first-round picks in the upcoming draft – selections the team previously refused to include in trade talks – Dallas is now expected to address its EDGE needs through the draft instead of revisiting blockbuster trade discussions.
For now, Jones’ remarks suggest the Cowboys’ swing at Crosby was a rare opportunity rather than the beginning of an ongoing chase.
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