Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys made a big push to land star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, only for the Las Vegas Raiders to decide to deal him to the Baltimore Ravens
08:21 ET, 07 Mar 2026
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby runs off the field
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Maxx Crosby is heading to Baltimore to join the Ravens(Image: Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys attempted to pull off a huge trade for pass rusher Maxx Crosby, only for the Las Vegas Raiders to reject their offer in favor of the Baltimore Ravens' proposal.
On Friday, the Ravens agreed to terms with the Raiders on a deal for Crosby, which will see the two-time second-team All-Pro traded to Baltimore at the start of the new league year next week. Baltimore is sending the Raiders two first-round picks, one of which is the No. 14 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The other is their 2027 first-rounder.
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The Raiders had plenty of suitors for Crosby, who was frustrated with Las Vegas, including the Cowboys. Just months after they dealt Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers ahead of the start of the 2025 season, Dallas tried to acquire Crosby, only for their offer to be rejected.
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Dallas had offered Las Vegas a first and second-round pick for Crosby. However, with Baltimore having offered two first-rounders, an offer Dallas did not want to match, it became an easy decision for Las Vegas, which is currently rebuilding following their 3-14 2025 campaign.
Posting on X, ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote: "The Cowboys were willing to offer a first- and second-round pick to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby, but, logically and understandably, Las Vegas opted for the two first-round picks from the Ravens."
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
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Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys tried to trade for Maxx Crosby(Image: Sam Hodde, Getty Images)
While Crosby was undoubtedly the best player on the Raiders roster, the decision to deal him was an easy one given the state of the franchise. Having drafted him back in 2019, Crosby's relationship with the team soured last season.
He was shut down for the final two games of the season due to a knee injury, a decision that left Crosby furious. Additionally, the hiring of Klint Kubiak, while necessary given Las Vegas' poor 2025 season, signalled the beginning of yet another rebuild.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby on the field
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Maxx Crosby has been dealt to Baltimore for two first round picks(Image: Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
During his time with the Raiders, Crosby had played under five head coaches: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, and Pete Carroll. At 28, it is understandable why the five-time Pro Bowler wanted a fresh start with a team ready to compete.
In trading for Crosby, Baltimore looks to have added a real difference maker on their defensive line for incoming head coach Jesse Minter to utilize. Last season, the Ravens pass rush struggled, recording just 30 sacks, the fewest in 15 years.
Former Dallas Cowboy Micah Parsons after being traded to the Green Bay Packers
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Micah Parsons was traded by the Cowboys prior to the start of the 2025 NFL season(Image: Getty Images)
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The 2025 season was also the first time since Baltimore's inaugural 1996 campaign that they did not have a pass rusher on their roster who recorded more than 4.5 sacks.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas now owns the No.1 and No.14 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They will almost certainly use the first overall pick on Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.