Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys just got a major update on their pursuit of Raiders All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Back before free agency started, the Cowboys were one of the teams most heavily involved in trade discussions with Las Vegas for Crosby. In fact, they made several major offers, some that included the No. 12 overall pick — but ultimately the Ravens outbid them, offering first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027, something Dallas wasn’t willing to do.
Of course, since then, things have changed. The Ravens backed out of the Crosby trade, citing a failed physical, sparking backlash from the wider NFL community and especially the Raiders. For now, Las Vegas maintains that Crosby won’t be traded anymore, and they’re excited to move forward with him on the roster. That may not be set in stone, though, and the Cowboys are lurking.
Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Offers Major Update on Potential Maxx Crosby Trade
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders takes the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Speaking to reporters, Cowboys owner (and de facto GM) Jerry Jones answered questions on Dallas’ continued interest in Crosby.
“I don’t anticipate — standing here right now, revisiting that situation,” Jones said on Tuesday, courtesy of The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “I don’t anticipate it. Is it possible? Yes.”
That’s a pretty telling response, even if Jones stopped short of being definitive. Jones is known for being much more brash than most team owners and executives, never afraid to speak his mind and comment on situations others would avoid having on the public record.
If Jones says a Maxx Crosby trade is still possible, you’d best believe it’s something Dallas is continuing to explore. The Cowboys need a pass rusher like Crosby after trading Micah Parsons away last summer. Seems like the door is still open there.
The Dallas Cowboys Will Undoubtedly Look to Add a Pass Rusher Early in the Draft
Armed with two first-round picks and a lot of needs on defense, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them on draft night. Dallas has the No. 12 and No. 20 overall picks, as well as the No. 92 pick, which falls in the third round.
Dallas should have plenty of options at pass rusher in that range between picks 12 and 20 in the first round. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence, and Clemson’s T.J. Parker are all excellent players who each bring something else to the table. In theory, the Cowboys could even double up at the position.
Of course, they have other needs on defense as well. Linebacker stands out, and Georgia’s CJ Allen and Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez are quality first-round options at No. 20. In the third round, perhaps someone like Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. slips to them late, or they pivot for a prospect such as Pittsburgh’s Kyle Louis.
Whichever way the Cowboys choose to attack the draft, they’ll have plenty of options. Now, that could change if they trade for Crosby — but then, they won’t have nearly as big a need on defense if they did.
Ethan Woodie is an accomplished sports writer specializing in the NFL and college football for Heavy.com. He’s written for Heavy since 2025 and has years of experience writing for NFL Trade Rumors and Pro Football Focus (PFF). Woodie is an expert in draft scouting and his final 2025 Big Board was included in Arif Hasan’s media consensus board for Wide Left. More about Ethan Woodie
More Heavy on Cowboys
Loading more stories