PHOENIX – The Maxx Crosby saga was one of the most prominent storylines of the 2026 NFL offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement to send Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks, but the deal ultimately fell apart after the Ravens reportedly had concerns following Crosby’s physical. Now, questions linger about whether other teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, might revisit a potential trade for the star pass rusher.
During the NFL Owners Meetings on Tuesday, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones addressed the situation, confirming the Cowboys had indeed explored acquiring Crosby before the Ravens deal collapsed. While Jones doesn’t foresee immediately re-engaging in trade talks, he left the door slightly ajar for future possibilities.
“I don’t anticipate, sitting here right now, that that situation will come up again. I don’t anticipate it. Is it possible? Yes…” Jones said, according to reports. “We basically would have looked at the same conditions with a physical. And as you understand, we were involved in making an offer for him, so it would have come to Dallas. You can all speculate about what might have been.”
The failed trade between the Ravens and Raiders has sparked debate about the importance of medical evaluations in blockbuster deals. Jones, but, downplayed any hidden motives or complexities, emphasizing the fundamental requirement of a successful physical. “For me, it’s pretty simple, there’s nothing hidden there. You’ve got to pass a physical. You’ve got to pass a physical,” he stated. “We’ve never completed a deal until the player passes the medical. That involves your doctors, trainers, and everyone involved being able to review it. It’s part of the process.”
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have already made a significant addition to their pass rush this offseason, acquiring linebacker Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. They also re-signed Sam Williams and brought back Tyrus Wheat from the Detroit Lions. Despite these moves, Jones acknowledged the ongoing need to improve the team’s ability to pressure the quarterback, a key focus for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
“We need to get it from some players that we didn’t get it from last year, some that we didn’t have, as well as some of the pieces that we’ve acquired in this offseason,” Jones explained. “The idea that that’s not a premium position, especially in the draft, is incorrect. It’s one of our primary areas of interest: getting pressure on the quarterback.”
The Cowboys currently hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and have indicated they are “open to doing business” on the trade market. This flexibility could allow them to potentially pursue another edge rusher if the opportunity arises, though Jones’ comments suggest a renewed pursuit of Crosby isn’t currently on the agenda.
The situation highlights the inherent risks in high-stakes trades, particularly when significant draft capital is involved. Teams must balance the potential reward of acquiring a star player with the possibility of medical concerns derailing the deal. The Ravens’ decision to back out of the Crosby trade underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluations and the potential for unforeseen complications.
For the Cowboys, the focus remains on maximizing the potential of their existing pass rushers and exploring all available options to improve their defense. While the Crosby saga may be closed for now, the team will undoubtedly continue to monitor the situation and assess whether a future opportunity to acquire a premier edge rusher presents itself. The draft, with its two first-round selections, provides a significant avenue for addressing this need, but a trade can’t be ruled out.
The failed trade also raises questions about the relationship between the Ravens and the Raiders. While Jones doesn’t believe there’s any lingering animosity, the situation could impact future negotiations between the two teams. Maintaining strong relationships across the league is crucial for successful deal-making, and the Ravens will likely need to work to rebuild any trust that may have been damaged during the Crosby saga. [1]
As teams prepare for the 2026 season, the pursuit of pass-rushing talent will remain a top priority. The ability to consistently pressure the quarterback is a key ingredient for success in the modern NFL, and teams will continue to explore all avenues to bolster their defensive lines. The Cowboys, with their draft capital and willingness to consider trades, are well-positioned to be active participants in this pursuit.
The Ravens, after backing out of the Crosby deal, quickly signed former Cincinnati Bengals defensive star Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract. This move signaled their commitment to addressing their pass-rush needs, even after the failed attempt to acquire Crosby. [1] It remains to be seen whether Hendrickson can fill the void left by Crosby’s absence, but the Ravens are confident they have found a capable replacement.
The NFL offseason is often characterized by unexpected twists and turns, and the Maxx Crosby saga is a prime example. The situation serves as a reminder that even seemingly done deals can fall apart at the last minute, and that thorough due diligence is essential when making significant player acquisitions. As the league moves forward, teams will undoubtedly learn from this experience and approach future trades with increased caution.
The Cowboys will next be in action for their organized team activities (OTAs) beginning in May. These practices will provide an opportunity for the team to evaluate their new additions and refine their schemes under the guidance of Christian Parker. The draft is swift approaching, and the Cowboys will be closely evaluating potential prospects who could bolster their pass rush and contribute to their defensive success.
Key Takeaways:
- Jerry Jones confirmed the Cowboys had interest in Maxx Crosby before the Ravens trade fell through.
- Jones doesn’t anticipate revisiting a trade for Crosby in the immediate future, but didn’t rule it out entirely.
- The Cowboys have already added Rashan Gary to their pass rush and are focused on developing their existing players.
- Medical evaluations are a critical component of any NFL trade, as demonstrated by the Ravens’ decision to back out of the Crosby deal.
What do you believe? Should the Cowboys revisit a trade for Maxx Crosby if the opportunity arises? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
[1] Yardbarker: Ravens President Addresses Negative Reactions to Failed Maxx Crosby Trade
