Maxx Crosby
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The Cowboys trade rumors swirling around Maxx Crosby just got a reality check.
The Dallas Cowboys continue to be linked to Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but new details about the star’s injury complicate a potential trade. Despite plenty of Cowboys rumors, the Raiders initially opted to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens.
This was until the Ravens nixed the deal citing a failed medical evaluation. The surprising NFL news re-opened a possible trade opportunity for the Cowboys, but the team does not appear eager to blow the Raiders away with a new offer. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden reported that the Ravens believe Crosby has a “degenerative issue in his knee.”
“The consensus was that Crosby would be able to play in 2026,” McFadden wrote in a March 24, 2026, story titled, “How the Raiders, Ravens trade of Maxx Crosby fell apart.” “The Ravens’ concern centered on the uncertainty of Crosby’s durability after a couple of seasons in Baltimore because of a degenerative issue in his knee, a source told ESPN.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Cowboys rumors.
Cowboys Team Doctor Dan Cooper Was Involved in Maxx Crosby’s Failed Medical Evaluation With the Ravens
Another reason why the Cowboys may be reluctant to trade for Crosby is the team’s doctor Dan Cooper was involved in the defender’s medical evaluation with the Ravens. Dallas is likely armed with more information about Crosby’s health than most teams, but Cooper was not the leading voice in the star’s failed physical, per McFadden.
“In addition to their own doctors, the Ravens had a handful of doctors outside the organization weigh in on Crosby’s knee, including Dan Cooper, a renowned knee specialist and the Cowboys’ team doctor,” McFadden noted. “In the past, Dallas has leaned on Cooper’s expertise in making decisions such as drafting Jaylon Smith in the second round in 2016, despite torn ligaments and nerve damage, and drafting Shavon Revel Jr. last year in the third round despite a torn ACL.
“But Cooper was not the primary voice in determining whether Baltimore should back out of the deal.”
Cowboys Rumors: After Contemplating a New Trade, Dallas Is Unlikely to Make a Deal With the Raiders for Maxx Crosby
As a reminder, the Raiders continue to seek two first-round picks in exchange for Crosby. Dallas was already reluctant to make this happen before the latest news about Crosby’s health.
The Cowboys considered a Crosby trade for a second time following the failed physical, but it appears Dallas has moved on, according to McFadden.
“Multiple Raiders sources say they’d be surprised if Crosby was traded in the short term,” McFadden explained. “Perhaps a window of opportunity opens closer to the draft, but the team is certainly keeping an open mind on retaining him.
“When the Ravens backed out of the trade, Dallas contemplated getting back into the chase. Although the Cowboys did not 100% close the door on a Crosby trade, a source said they were not reengaging in talks.”
The Cowboys’ Best Offer for Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Included 1st & 2nd-Round Picks
Dallas was willing to offer a mix of two high draft picks and a veteran player like Osa Odighizuwa. The Cowboys have since traded Odighizuwa and their best offer for Crosby included first- and second-round picks before being edged out by the Ravens.
“Baltimore beat out the Dallas Cowboys, who were also seeking an elite pass rusher,” McFadden added. “Initial offers centered on Dallas’ second first-round pick at No. 20, and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
“The Cowboys then offered their top first-rounder at No. 12 and a third-round pick. Ultimately, the Cowboys moved to No. 12 and their second-round pick, but the last two offers, sources said, did not include Odighizuwa, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round selection.”