The Dallas Cowboys’ first training camp practice is set for Wednesday, July 29, and before the team even steps on the field, Owner/GM Jerry Jones is already giving people a reason to talk about his team. Jones sat down for the team’s pre-training-camp practice and discussed a range of topics heading into the 2026 season. One of the big ones is the ways they are looking to improve the roster.
Jones mentioned the team would be willing to part with draft capital to improve their roster, and he even said he had recently spoken with another GM about a trade. All of this suggests the Cowboys could be gearing up to make a big move, and the Maxx Crosby rumors are surfacing again. The NFL world knows Jones loves making a splash, and there would be none more significant than Crosby.
Jerry Jones Stirring Up Trade Rumors
According to Nick Harris, Jones was asked if the team walked away from a Crosby deal, and he said, “We didn’t (walk away). There’s nothing more to elaborate on.”
It was clear Jones was trying to avoid any tampering issues since Crosby is a member of the Raiders. However, the fact that he mentioned they did not walk away from a potential deal is telling.
Many in the NFL World Jones’ comments and were excited about what Dallas’ front office may be looking to do.
NFL analyst Jordan Michael Tucker said on X, “MAXX CROSBY TO DALLAS IS ALIVE!!”
MAXX CROSBY TO DALLAS IS ALIVE!!
— J Tuck (@jtuck151) July 28, 2026
While there is no guarantee Crosby is at the top of the Cowboys’ radar, he is the biggest star likely to be moved. Dallas was in on Crosby before he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the offseason, a deal that ultimately fell through due to a failed physical.
Alec Medford said, “Jerry made it sound like the idea of trading for Maxx Crosby is very much still alive…”
Jerry made it sound like the idea of trading for Maxx Crosby is very much still alive… 🤷🏻♂️ @1053thefan
— Alec Medford (@AlecOnTheRadio) July 28, 2026
The Cowboys’ defense has improved much over the offseason, which it needed to after a disastrous 2025 season. In addition to adding better players like Rashan Gary, Dee Winters, and Caleb Downs, the team also hired a new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker. Adding a superstar edge rusher will only improve their ceiling as a defense and a team.
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Jones has never been shy to stir the pot, and that may have been his intention by mentioning a potential trade.
Jeff Cavanaugh wrote on X, “Jerry said he wasn’t gonna stir anything up these next few days then started talking about giving up substantive things and trying not to tamper talking about Maxx Crosby. We’re all the way back.”
In reaction to Jones’ comments, Alex Robert Friedman said, “Oh man, what a very spicy interaction between Jane Slater and Jerry Jones about Maxx Crosby. I have a feeling something happens.”
Oh man, what a very spicy interaction between Jane Slater and Jerry Jones about Maxx Crosby.
I have a feeling something happens. pic.twitter.com/67tqLCE1Ut
— Alex Robert Friedman (@Alex_Friedman31) July 28, 2026
Cowboys analyst Tom Downey came to a conclusion and wrote, “I interpret Jerry (and Stephen’s) comments when asked about Maxx Crosby as: #1 – No Tampering! #2 – Raiders aren’t moving him right now anyway.”
Crosby played 15 games last season and recorded 10 sacks, 73 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, one interception, and two forced fumbles. According to PFN’s EDGE Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 89.3, ranking fifth in the league.
The Raiders star will be a huge addition to the Cowboys’ defense, which, according to PFN’s Defense Impact Metric, ranked worst in the league with an impact score of 53.4.
It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys do make a huge move before the season begins. Their front office seems to know their window to win is now, and that could push Jones and company to make a big splash before the regular season.
