Jerry Jones Plots Another Blockbuster Move for Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones, the iconic owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, is no stranger to making headline-grabbing trades. From the legendary acquisition of Herschel Walker to recent deals for stars like Micah Parsons and George Pickens, Jones has built a reputation for aggressive moves. Now, speculation is mounting that he might be eyeing his next big splash: a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, dubbed by some as a "4.0 version" of his signature blockbuster strategies.
Dallas Cowboys Emerge as Front-Runners for Maxx Crosby
According to reports from CBS Sports analyst Jonathan Jones, the Dallas Cowboys are "lurking" in the background and appear best positioned to strike a deal for Maxx Crosby. While the Chicago Bears are also in the mix as potential suitors, the Cowboys' combination of resources and Jones' competitive drive could give them an edge. This interest comes despite Crosby signing a lucrative three-year, $106 million contract with the Raiders just last March, which keeps him under contract through 2026.
Rumors suggest Crosby is seeking a change of scenery, driven by a desire to compete for a Super Bowl—a goal that aligns perfectly with Jerry Jones' own ambitions. Sports Illustrated's Zach Dimmitt notes that the 28-year-old defensive end, a five-time Pro Bowler, may not have a realistic shot at a Lombardi Trophy if he remains with the Raiders, especially as he enters his prime years. Las Vegas, under new head coach Klint Kubiak and potentially with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, might consider trading Crosby to rebuild and maximize value before a decline.
The Connection Between Maxx Crosby and the Dallas Cowboys
Maxx Crosby's ties to Texas add an intriguing layer to this potential trade. He attended Colleyville Heritage High School, located just 27 miles from Dallas, making a return to his home state a compelling narrative. For Jerry Jones, who is desperate to end the Cowboys' 30-year Super Bowl drought, acquiring a player of Crosby's caliber could be a game-changer. Crosby has only made one playoff appearance in his seven-year NFL career—a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021—and has never played in or won a Super Bowl, fueling his motivation for a fresh start.
Competition Heats Up with Chicago Bears
The bidding war for Maxx Crosby is intensifying, with the Chicago Bears emerging as a key rival. Reports from The Landry Hat's Lior Lampert indicate that the Cowboys are in a direct competition with the Bears for the top edge rusher. Factors favoring Dallas include Jerry Jones' self-declared aggressiveness and the Cowboys' need at the position, exacerbated by Donovan Ezeiruaku's offseason hip surgery. Lampert also highlights that Crosby is unlikely to return to the Raiders, as the franchise has "exhausted all efforts" financially, opening the door for other teams.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler adds that while Crosby may not be formally requesting a trade, it would take a blockbuster offer to pry him away from Las Vegas. Given Jones' history of big moves—such as signing Dak Prescott to a record-breaking $240 million contract in 2024—this scenario seems plausible. Analysts are buzzing about the possibility, suggesting that a 4.0 blockbuster trade could be in the making, one that could reshape the NFC landscape and propel the Cowboys toward championship contention.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys to see if they can secure Maxx Crosby and finally chase down that elusive Super Bowl victory.
