The Dallas Cowboys endured a frustrating and underwhelming 2025 season under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, finishing with an 7-9-1 record and missing the NFC playoffs. Despite high expectations coming into the season, the defense consistently let the team down in big moments.
It was the offense that kept them competitive week in and week out. However, Dallas just missed a golden opportunity to upgrade their defense in a big way.
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) takes down Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after forcing a fumble during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) takes down Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after forcing a fumble during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys Fall Short in Maxx Crosby Trade Pursuit as Ravens Land Star DE with Two First-Round Picks
The Dallas Cowboys came up empty in their aggressive pursuit of Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, watching the five-time Pro Bowler get traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the Ravens’ 2026 and 2027 first-round picks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys were prepared to offer a 2026 first-round pick plus a second-round selection, but the Raiders logically and understandably chose the superior package of two first-rounders from Baltimore.
The deal, which cannot be officially processed until the start of the new league year next week, marks a major win for the Ravens and a frustrating near-miss for Dallas in their quest to bolster one of the NFL’s most pressing needs.
Dallas entered the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes as one of the most aggressive suitors. Schefter reported that Dallas was willing to part with a 2026 first-round pick and a second-rounder—a significant offer that would have cost them valuable draft capital but addressed an immediate weakness.
However, the Raiders, fully committed to a rebuild after a dismal 3-14 campaign in 2025, prioritized maximum future value. Las Vegas selected the Ravens’ offer of two first-round picks (2026 and 2027), a haul that provides far greater long-term flexibility and the chance to target multiple high-impact players in upcoming drafts.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Miss Hurts: Pass Rush Remains Top Priority
The Cowboys’ failure to land Maxx Crosby leaves a glaring hole in their defensive front. Crosby’s relentless motor, double-digit sack production, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass game would have instantly transformed the unit into one of the NFL’s most feared.
Instead, the Cowboys must now pivot to other options in free agency or the draft. Names like Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson (who has been linked to Dallas in recent reports) and various draft prospects will likely rise to the top of their board. The missed opportunity stings even more given how close they came to landing one of the most coveted defenders available.
Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Ravens Win Big: Maxx Crosby Joins Elite Defense
For the Baltimore Ravens, acquiring Maxx Crosby is a statement move. Crosby’s durability—he has started 104 out of the 110 games he’s appear in since his rookie season—and leadership make him a seamless fit in Baltimore’s culture of toughness and accountability.
The cost of two first-round picks is steep, but for a perennial contender looking to maximize Lamar Jackson’s window, the investment makes perfect sense.
What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys After Maxx Crosby Trade Falls Through
Dallas now shifts focus to free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft to address their pass-rush needs. With significant cap space and valuable picks still in hand, the Cowboys remain in position to make aggressive moves, but the inability to land Maxx Crosby is a clear setback in their pursuit of defensive dominance.
The trade also underscores the Raiders’ commitment to a full rebuild, as they now possess the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 plus two additional first-rounders to build around.
Stay tuned for updates on the Maxx Crosby trade fallout, Dallas Cowboys pass-rush plans, Baltimore Ravens defensive upgrades, Las Vegas Raiders rebuild strategy, and all the latest NFL offseason news.
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