Why the Dallas Cowboys failed to land Maxx Crosby in trade with Raiders

The Dallas Cowboys were among several teams that pursued star defensive end Maxx Crosby this offseason. However, despite strong interest, Dallas ultimately missed out on the All-Pro pass rusher after the Las Vegas Raiders traded him to the Baltimore Ravens.

The blockbuster deal saw Baltimore send two first-round draft picks to Las Vegas, a price that the Cowboys were unwilling to match. While Dallas explored several potential trade packages, their reluctance to part with multiple first-round selections ultimately allowed the Ravens to win the bidding race.

Cowboys set strict limits on trade offer

According to reports, the Cowboys entered negotiations with a clear limit on how much they were willing to sacrifice for Crosby. Dallas reportedly offered a package centered around their No. 12 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft along with a future second-round pick, and even expressed willingness to include a veteran player in the deal.



However, the Raiders were focused primarily on acquiring premium draft capital rather than veteran players. Because of that stance, the Cowboys’ offer never matched the value Las Vegas was seeking.

In contrast, the Ravens were willing to move aggressively. Baltimore offered its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, which immediately gave them the strongest proposal on the table.

For Dallas, giving up that level of draft capital was seen as too risky, especially considering the team’s recent roster moves.

Previous trades limited Dallas’ flexibility

The Cowboys' recent action in the trade market was another big reason why they couldn't get what they wanted. Dallas has already traded away key draft picks in the past, such as those involving Micah Parsons and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.



Because of those deals, the Cowboys were cautious about further weakening their future draft resources. Team decision-makers reportedly set firm limits on how far they would go in negotiations for Crosby, even though they had long admired the pass rusher.

Dallas had been monitoring Crosby for quite some time and viewed him as an ideal fit for its defense. But when the bidding escalated, the franchise chose to step back rather than overextend itself.

What’s next for the Cowboys

Dallas will have to look for other ways to improve its pass rush now that Crosby is gone. The Cowboys had a rather low number of sacks in 2025 and were hoping that Crosby could be a key player on their defensive line.



Instead, the team is anticipated to use free agency and the NFL Draft to meet the need. Trey Hendrickson is one possible choice. He has been connected to Dallas since he left the Cincinnati Bengals.

As free agency creeps closer, other pass-rush targets may come up, giving the Cowboys more chances to improve their defensive front.



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