The Dallas Cowboys finished last season with one of the NFL’s weakest run defenses, so it was only natural that the rumor mill would keep an eye on how owner-GM Jerry Jones went about his business this offseason.
That immediately fueled speculation across Cowboys Nation, with names such as Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby and veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner entering the conversation. However, neither move has materialized yet.
Still, Dallas insider Jon Machota believes Jones and the Cowboys remain serious about landing an impact player sooner rather than later.
Cowboys Still on the Lookout For Additional Firepower
During a recent appearance on 105.3 The FAN, Machota explained that Dallas could wait until teams begin trimming their rosters before making its move.
“I think it’s more likely that they add in some of these positions after rosters start to cut down,” Machota said. “But I think that from what Jerry and Stephen have said out here, to me it feels like they’re putting chum in the water. Let’s make it known that, hey, we are absolutely open for business.”
Machota also indicated that Dallas does not want to settle for a minor addition.
“If there’s any team out there that’s looking to move an impact player on defense, we’re willing to part with a high-round pick next year’s draft,” he added.
“We’re not messing around here. We’re not just looking for guys that we might give a third or a fourth rounder for. We want an impact player. And so I’m sure they’re getting calls, but I don’t think it’s anything yet to what they want to pull the trigger on. But I think they’re doing this on purpose. They want all these other teams to know that they’re very, very interested.”
That urgency makes sense after Dallas struggled badly on the defensive front in 2025 under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
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The Cowboys finished among the NFL’s worst run defenses and tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the league. Adding a proven defender could address a weakness that hurt them throughout last season.
Dallas also enters 2026 with major questions at linebacker. DeMarvion Overshown remains a key piece but has missed significant time because of injuries. Meanwhile, Dee Winters provides rotational experience, while sophomore Shemar James and rookie Jaishawn Barham add youth.
All things considered, the Cowboys’ willingness to spend meaningful draft capital could become more important as roster cuts create new opportunities.
Since the offseason, the Cowboys have kept Maxx Crosby on their radar. The Las Vegas Raiders star remains among the NFL’s top edge rushers. Over the past two seasons, Crosby has produced 17.5 sacks. He also posted an impressive 89.3 PFN EDGE Impact grade in 2025.
Beyond Crosby, Dallas has reportedly monitored Jordyn Brooks. The Cowboys were rumored to have explored a trade for the linebacker earlier this offseason.
However, those talks faded after the Miami Dolphins signed Brooks to a three-year, $51.3 million contract. Still, his 2025 production shows why Dallas wanted him.
