March 6, 2026, 9:33 p.m. CT
The Dallas Cowboys were “in it until the end”, but they have ultimately been outbid for the services of the biggest star of this season’s free agent market. The Las Vegas Raiders made their attempt to retain the services of five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, but he was ready to leave the only organization he’s ever played for. Crosby never publicly demanded a trade, but made it clear to his now former club he wasn’t going to suit up for them again.
And with a huge need at the position and a renewed fervor for talent acquisition, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys made a serious effort to bring Crosby back to his home state of Texas. The Cowboys had a limit, however, and they weren’t interested in moving beyond a price point that the Baltimore Ravens didn’t have a problem meeting.
With the two teams the leaders among several sending offers to the Raiders, the Ravens made a winning bid of two first-round picks, and Dallas refused to match. Crosby is not a member of Jesse Minter’s Ravens.
The Cowboys will now move on to other targets at the edge rusher position as they look to improve on one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker will be transforming to a 3-4 front for the club in 2026.
Free agency commences on Monday, with the legal tampering window opening ahead of Wednesday’s start of the new league year. The Bengals Trey Hendrickson is seen as the top talent in a market that includes the Eagles Jaelen Phillips, the Chargers Odafeh Oweh, the Seahawks Boye Mafe and the Bills Joey Bosa.
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Dallas is expected to set their sights on Hendrickson.
There is also the possibility of other trade targets, such as the Vikings‘ Jonathan Greenard.