Owner Jerry Jones told reporters at the end of the first week in NFL free agency the Dallas Cowboys haven’t ruled out a trade for edge rusher Maxx Crosby. But according to the latest update from an NFL insider, the Cowboys may have to wait for a potential Crosby trade to develop if he’s coming to Dallas.
On Friday, NFL insider Albert Breer explained to Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr that a Crosby deal might not happen until the midseason point.
“If he’s going to be traded, I think it’s going to have to come after Maxx Crosby gets back on the field and plays really well, so people will forget about everything that just happened,” Breer said on “The MMQB NFL Podcast.”
“That way, it becomes a little easier when it comes to managing your owners and your fan base. It also makes it easier to go out and trade for him again.”
Early this offseason, pundits labeled the Cowboys a place for Crosby to begin the 2026 campaign. Dallas entered this offseason desperate for defensive upgrades.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 7 the Cowboys made a trade offer for Crosby. The offer included a first and second-round pick.
But the Raiders accepted an offer for Crosby from the Baltimore Ravens, which included two first-rounders.
Crosby returned to Las Vegas after the Ravens nullified the trade. Over the past week and a half since his Raiders return, Crosby trade rumors have heated back up around the Cowboys and other potential suitors.
When Could Raiders Try to Trade Maxx Crosby Again?
Despite rumors, NFL insiders have projected Crosby to remain with the Raiders for at least awhile this offseason. On March 15, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, though, that perhaps trade negotiations with the edge rusher could begin again around the NFL draft.
That timeline is much more ideal for the Cowboys than what Breer presented.
In Breer’s scenario, it’s not even guaranteed Crosby gets back on the trade market. If the Raiders are contending early next season, they won’t shop Crosby again.
Las Vegas will have to fall out of contention if the plan is to wait until the trade deadline.
“But if they’re really bad in October or early November and he’s playing great, then they can have that conversation. That’s probably the smartest way to move forward if you’re the Raiders,” said Breer.
Likewise, the Cowboys probably only buy Crosby at the trade deadline if they are contending. Although Dallas did acquire Quinnen Williams at the deadline last year despite starting 3-5-1.
Why the Cowboys Could Still Pursue Crosby
After missing on Crosby the first time around early this month, the Cowboys made minor deals to address their pass rush.
In free agency, Dallas signed defensive end Tyrus Wheat and re-signed Sam Williams. The team also added defensive lineman Otto Ogbonnia.
The biggest addition to the team’s pass rush this offseason has been Rashan Gary. The Cowboys traded a fourth-round selection to the Green Bay Packers for Gary.
Those additions, though, have left something to be desired for a lot of pundits.
Trading for Crosby would be the big addition many analysts see the Cowboys really needing.
Dallas finished 30th in yards allowed and last in points scored against last season. The Cowboys were also bottom five in several pass defense categories.
Crosby would begin fixing a lot of those issues. He would also make a lot of the other new players on Dallas’s defense better.
Cowboys Receive Big Update on Potential Maxx Crosby Trade