Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones pushed back Tuesday against suggestions that his team lost interest in acquiring Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby after a potential trade involving the Baltimore Ravens collapsed earlier this year.
Speaking at the team’s annual training camp opening news conference, Jones made clear the Cowboys never abandoned discussions about the standout pass rusher.
“We did not walk away, that’s about all there is to say,” Jones said. He added that the organization had a solid grasp of Crosby’s medical situation involving a surgically repaired knee.
Crosby, a two-time second-team All-Pro, appeared headed to Baltimore in March for a package that included multiple first-round draft selections. The agreement fell apart when the Ravens’ medical staff raised concerns during the physical examination process, sending the veteran back to the Raiders.
At that point, speculation swirled about whether other clubs, including Dallas, might re-engage.
Jones indicated the Cowboys viewed Crosby as a player who could have strengthened their defensive front at the time.
He declined to offer further details, citing the need to avoid any appearance of tampering with a player under contract to another franchise.
“He is such a Raider, and we shouldn’t be having this kind of discussion,” Jones remarked.
Team executives echoed the caution, noting Crosby remains fully committed to Las Vegas for now.
The comments come as the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 season following a disappointing previous campaign that left them outside the playoffs. Dallas has focused on improving its defense after trading away former star linebacker Micah Parsons and later adding pieces such as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in midseason deals last year. The pass rush remains an area of emphasis as training camp practices begin in California.
Crosby has established himself as one of the league’s more productive edge defenders since entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick. His combination of relentless effort and production has made him a cornerstone for the Raiders, though the team’s overall struggles in recent seasons have fueled periodic trade rumors.
For the Cowboys, landing a player of Crosby’s caliber would address lingering questions about generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dallas ranked near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories last season, prompting Jones to vow improvements on that side of the ball.
Stephen Jones, the team’s chief operating officer, joined his father at the podium and reinforced the message that Crosby is currently a Raider. The organization appears content to let the situation develop without forcing the issue while focusing on the players already on the roster in Oxnard.
Training camp practices will offer an early look at how the current group meshes under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Jones expressed confidence in the foundation already in place, particularly on offense with quarterback Dak Prescott, while leaving room for further roster tweaks if the right opportunity arises.
Whether those tweaks eventually involve revisiting Crosby remains unclear. Jones carefully framed his answers to stay within league rules governing discussions of players on other teams. Still, his insistence that Dallas never walked away is likely to keep the topic alive among fans and analysts as the summer progresses.
Jones has long maintained that the ultimate goal remains a Super Bowl appearance, a target the franchise has not reached in three decades. Adding proven talent via trade has been one avenue the owner continues to explore.
As camp continues, attention will turn to how the defense performs in practices and exhibition games. Jones’ comments served as a reminder that the front office remains willing to consider significant moves even after the bulk of free agency and the draft have passed.
For now, Crosby stays in Las Vegas, and the Cowboys prepare with the group they have while keeping options open.
