The Dallas Cowboys have never been shy about making noise before the NFL trade deadline, but this time, Jerry Jones‘ public flirtation with another team’s superstar has hit a dead end.
After Jones admitted to using the media to drive trade speculation, a strategy he called “very effective”, rumors exploded that Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby could be the Cowboys’ next big target.
It didn’t take long for that story to unravel. According to FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, the Raiders quickly shut down any possibility of a deal, and Crosby himself made his feelings clear.
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” Glazer quoted him as saying.
Crosby‘s response not only killed the trade rumor but also highlighted the contrast between Jerry Jones‘ trademark bravado and the quiet, unwavering loyalty of one of the NFL’s toughest players.
Jerry Jones plays the media and it backfires
Few owners in professional sports are as comfortable in front of microphones as Jerry Jones, who has made a career out of turning speculation into strategy. With the November 4 trade deadline approaching, Jones openly admitted he often uses the media to express interest in potential deals, calling it a way to “keep all options on the table.”
But in this case, his calculated candor may have gone too far.
Glazer revealed that Dallas reached out to several teams in search of defensive reinforcements, including the Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals.
“They are calling around for help on defense, but they’re not the only ones,” Glazer said on FOX NFL Kickoff.
“Washington’s calling for a defensive end. The Eagles are always calling around, looking for help on defense. The Giants are the only ones staying put.”
However, when one team inquired about Crosby‘s availability, Glazer said the answer was immediate.
“There was one team that called me and said, ‘Hey, could you find out [about Crosby’s status]?’ I told them, ‘No, he doesn’t want to go.’ The team said, ‘Man, we’d love him. His loyalty is strong. We wish it wasn’t, though.'”
Raiders owner Mark Davis has also made it clear that the conversation is over.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve got to say it,” Davis told reporters earlier this week.
“It’s really hard to keep getting asked the same question every month or week when the answer’s going to stay the same.
“I don’t know why anybody would think I’d change my mind or the organization would.”
Crosby’s loyalty defines the Raiders’ identity
Since entering the league in 2019, Maxx Crosby has evolved into one of the most complete edge rushers in football, dominant as both a pass rusher and a run stopper.
Through the 2025 season, he has notched 28 tackles and four sacks, ranking in the top tier of every major defensive metric.
His relentless energy, discipline, and leadership have made him the emotional core of the Raiders defense.
In a league where stars often force their way to contenders, Crosby‘s dedication to Las Vegas stands out.
He signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension earlier this year that keeps him under team control through 2030.
“Maxx embodies everything we want this franchise to be,” Raiders general manager Tom Telesco said earlier this season. “His work ethic, his heart, his presence – he’s the standard.”
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are still scrambling for answers on defense. After trading Micah Parsons earlier this year, Dallas ranks 16th in sacks and 21st in pass rush win rate, according to ESPN metrics.
Jones‘ attempt to land a new defensive centerpiece has, at least for now, come up short.
Crosby‘s firm stance sends a message that resonates far beyond Las Vegas: not every player can be lured away with money or hype.
For the Raiders, his loyalty is as valuable as his production, and for Jerry Jones, it’s a reminder that some battles are fought and lost before the first call is even made.
As the trade deadline approaches, one thing is certain, Maxx Crosby isn’t going anywhere.
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