Jerry Jones got Cowboys fans talking again. After describing the offseason as quiet, the Dallas Cowboys owner dropped a bombshell at his training camp press conference by saying the team “did not walk away” from the Maxx Crosby trade. That quote, combined with Jones’ comments about being willing to sacrifice future draft picks to improve the 2026 roster, has reignited speculation about the Cowboys potentially acquiring the star edge rusher from the Las Vegas Raiders.

For context, NFL Network’s Jane Slater asked Jones directly why the Cowboys moved on from the Crosby trade following the Ravens-Raiders fiasco that shook the league earlier in the year. 

Jones’ response opened the door rather than closing it. The speculation only intensified when Jones added that he spoke to a NFL owner on Monday about a potential deal, suggesting he explored a trade opportunity as recently as this week.

Making the case for Crosby

Now, these two comments don’t necessarily relate to each other. Jones could be talking about any player. But there are reasons to believe Crosby remains in the mix for Dallas, and they start with a quote that Dallas Morning News reporter Joseph Hoyt got from Jones after the press conference ended.

Hoyt asked Jones what his current roster could do in training camp to prevent the team from making a trade. Jones’ response was telling.

“Nothing,” Jones said. “Any kind of move I am thinking about, the positiveness of it would stand on its own.”

That quote, if taken at face value, should rule out any trade for a player who isn’t a no-doubt difference maker. And when I look at the NFL trade market right now, the list of players who fit that description is short.

Other potential Cowboys trade targets don’t quite add up

One option is star nose tackle Vita Vea, who recently requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But Dallas has Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams on the interior, and Jones discussed potentially extending Williams during the press conference. Acquiring Vea would require significant trade compensation and an extension, which appears to be the holdup on Tampa Bay’s side. I don’t see the Cowboys investing that heavily at defensive tackle. Keep in mind, this is the same front office that moved on from Osa Odighizuwa for precisely that reason.

Then there’s EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants. He’s a former top-5 pick buried on their depth chart behind Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and first-round rookie Arvell Reese. But I just don’t see the Giants sending Thibodeaux to a division rival. If they move on from him, it’ll be for assets that help them now, which is the opposite of what Dallas is looking for.

Josh Sweat is another name who has been linked to the Cowboys. The veteran edge rusher is unhappy with his situation in Arizona, and he seems like the likeliest option outside of Crosby. Both parties have been linked before this offseason. But here’s the thing about that Jones quote from early: if there’s “nothing” the roster could do to change his mind on this trade, then the player in question has to be a transformational talent. If Donovan Ezeiruaku takes that second-year leap in camp and Rashan Gary fits right in after the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for him, does that change the calculus on Sweat? I think it would. 

Why Crosby stands apart

With Crosby, it’s different. You’re getting a star pass rusher, something the Cowboys simply don’t have on the roster. And this is the same franchise that offered the Raiders three different compensation packages for Crosby earlier in the offseason. The interest isn’t new.

Combine that with Jones’ comments about understanding Crosby’s injury situation (which is huge, as it implies they were not surprised with what the Baltimore Ravens learned from Crosby’s physical) and his willingness to part with future picks, and the pieces start to fit together.

Then again, who knows if the Raiders even want to deal Crosby. Who knows if Jones is just playing with the media. What is clear is that Dallas is at least exploring a trade to improve the defense before the season. After fielding the worst defense in the NFL in 2025, the Cowboys feel like they’re one move away from giving fans real confidence in a turnaround. 

I believe the Cowboys are genuinely still in the mix for Crosby, and if the Raiders’ asking price comes down even slightly, this could happen. For now, we wait, as multiple reporters have indicated they don’t expect anything to be imminent.