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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears may have just received a major boost in the Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes.
Trade speculation surrounding Crosby has intensified in recent days. Multiple teams have explored the possibility of acquiring the All-Pro defensive end. One of the franchises widely viewed as a serious contender was the Dallas Cowboys. But a new report suggests that Dallas may now be shifting its focus elsewhere, potentially clearing a major obstacle for Chicago.
Former ESPN host Trey Wingo reported Thursday that the Cowboys believed they were close to completing a deal for Crosby earlier this week before the market suddenly escalated. However, those talks have completely stalled.
“Things are moving fast re Maxx Crosby,” Wingo wrote on social media. “Last night Dallas thought they were close to a deal but since then other teams have raised the ante and potentially are offering the Raiders two first round picks. Expected Dallas to now shift their focus to Trey Hendrickson.”
trey wingo
Things are moving fast re Maxx Crosby. Last night Dallas thought they were close to a deal but since then other teams have raised the ante and potentially are offering the Raiders 2 1st round picks Expected Dallas to now shift their focus to Trey Hendrickson
If that report proves accurate, it could significantly change the landscape of the Crosby sweepstakes and place the Bears in a much stronger position.
Cowboys Reportedly Pivot Away From Crosby Pursuit
Dallas had been considered one of the most logical landing spots for Crosby. The Cowboys need a dominant edge presence. Their defense struggled to generate consistent pressure last year. The team has been searching for a new centerpiece along the defensive front since trading Micah Parsons.
According to Wingo’s report, however, the escalating price tag appears to have pushed Dallas toward other options. If teams are truly offering two first-round picks for Crosby, that type of compensation represents a massive commitment for any organization.
Instead, the Cowboys are now expected to focus their attention on Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson was not franchise tagged and is expected to play elsewhere in 2026.
That means Dallas could acquire him without surrendering major draft capital.
Dallas’ shift in approach would effectively remove one of Chicago’s most significant competitors from the Crosby market.
Bears Positioned as Serious Contender for Raiders Star
With Dallas potentially stepping back, the Bears could now find themselves in prime position if the Raiders ultimately decide to move Crosby.
Chicago has been frequently linked to the 28-year-old pass rusher throughout the offseason. Those rumors have intensified this week.
Pairing Montez Sweat with Crosby would instantly create one of the most dangerous edge rushing duos in the NFL.
General manager Ryan Poles has also demonstrated a willingness to make aggressive moves when he believes a star player can transform the roster.
After trading DJ Moore on Thursday morning, the Bears now have draft capital and financial flexibility to compete with the strongest offers around the league.
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If Crosby truly becomes available and the Cowboys are no longer in the mix, Chicago’s path to landing one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players may have just become far clearer.
As Bears Insider Ben Devine put it, “Dallas appears out on Maxx Crosby.”