The Dallas Cowboys thought they had a real shot at landing one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. For weeks, the buzz around Maxx Crosby heading to Dallas kept building. We were already imagining him wrecking offenses in a Cowboys uniform. However, when the dust settled, the trade never happened.
Instead, the Baltimore Ravens swooped in and closed the deal. According to a top NFL insider, though, the Cowboys do have a new shortlist of targets.
Dallas Cowboys Eye Trey Hendrickson and Other Pass Rushers After Losing Maxx Crosby Sweepstakes
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Las Vegas Raiders finalized a major trade, sending star edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Ravens. The deal includes two first-round picks heading back to Las Vegas.
The Cowboys had a legitimate interest in Crosby dating back to the 2025 trade deadline. They viewed him as a key piece for their defense. However, the Raiders drove the price sky-high by leaning on multiple bidders, ultimately prioritizing draft capital over player packages.
The Cowboys held their ground during negotiations, though. They reportedly offered the No. 12 overall pick in the upcoming draft along with a future second-round selection.
The team was even willing to include a veteran player to sweeten the proposal. But the Raiders weren’t interested in roster pieces, only high-end picks.
That firm stance by the Raiders ultimately pushed the Ravens to the front of the line. The Ravens agreed to ship first-round selections in both 2026 and 2027, closing the deal and ending the Cowboys’ pursuit.
Now, the Cowboys are shifting focus quickly. They’ve already been monitoring several pass rushers who could become immediate alternatives in free agency. Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson remains a major name on their radar.
The team is also expected to evaluate younger edge defenders. Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and Boye Mafe are seen as potential fits for the defensive front.
Timing is key. The NFL’s legal tampering period opens March 9, which allows teams their first opportunity to negotiate with free agents. The new league year officially begins on March 11, when contracts can be signed.
Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones has already hinted that the team could be active once the market opens. That aggression may, in fact, be necessary. The defense ranked last among all 32 teams in PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric last season, underscoring the urgent need for help in the pass rush.
Missing out on Crosby stings. However, if the Cowboys do want to reshape their defensive identity, the next few days of free agency could determine whether this offseason pivot becomes a setback or the start of a new plan.
