Maxx Crosby Trade Chaos: Will the Dallas Cowboys Re-Enter the Sweepstakes After Ravens Deal Collapses?
By CBS/AP News March 11, 2026 | 9:15 AM CDT
The NFL world was rocked late Tuesday night when the blockbuster trade intended to send Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens fell apart at the finish line. As the league year officially begins today at 3 p.m. CT, the sudden availability of the “Condor” has sparked a frenzy of speculation—specifically regarding whether the Dallas Cowboys will make a last-minute play for the North Texas native.
The Failed Physical: Why the Ravens Backed Out
The trade, which was agreed upon last Friday, would have sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks. However, the deal collapsed during the finalization process. According to sources close to the situation, Crosby failed his physical due to complications related to the surgery he underwent in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Despite the setback, Crosby’s camp remains defiant. His agent, CJ LaBoy, took to social media to clarify that the surgery was performed by the renowned Dr. Neal ElAttrache and that Crosby is actually “ahead of schedule” for a return during the offseason program.
“Maxx remains on track to return… and will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons,” LaBoy posted.
The Dallas Dilemma: Is There Still a Fit?
For the Dallas Cowboys, the prospect of bringing Crosby back to his roots in Colleyville, Texas, is tantalizing. However, the path to a trade is significantly more complicated than it was a week ago.
The Rashan Gary Factor
Dallas was a primary suitor for Crosby before the Ravens deal was initially struck. When the Raiders’ asking price of multiple first-rounders became too steep, Cowboys GM Jerry Jones pivoted, acquiring Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
Current Defensive Strategy
With Gary now in the fold alongside established stars and a new crop of former first-round defensive tackles, some NFL insiders believe the Cowboys have already filled their quota for high-impact defensive line additions.
| Pros of Trading for Crosby | Cons of Trading for Crosby |
|---|---|
| Elite pass rush (10 sacks last season) | Failed physical concerns |
| Local North Texas connection | Would likely still cost a 1st-round pick |
| Defensive “Game Wrecker” status | Salary cap implications after Gary trade |
The Final Countdown: 3 P.M. Deadline
While many believe the Cowboys have moved on, the reality of the NFL trade market is that “never say never” until the clock strikes 3 p.m. CT today. If the Raiders lower their asking price due to the failed physical, and if Dallas’ medical staff believes they can manage Crosby’s recovery, a last-minute “hometown” deal isn’t entirely off the table.
For now, Maxx Crosby remains a Raider—but for how many more hours?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did the Ravens cancel the Maxx Crosby trade? A: Crosby reportedly failed his physical. He is currently recovering from a January surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Q: Did the Cowboys already trade for a pass rusher? A: Yes, Dallas recently acquired Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick.
Q: What was the original trade price for Crosby? A: The Raiders had agreed to send him to Baltimore for two first-round draft picks, a price the Cowboys were originally unwilling to pay.
Q: When do NFL trades become official? A: All trades and free agent moves for the new league year become official today, Wednesday, March 11, at 3 p.m. CT.
Reference Links & Resources
- NFL.com Transactions – Follow the official wire for today’s 3 p.m. moves.
- CBS Sports NFL Home – Live analysis of the Maxx Crosby situation and Raiders news.
- Dallas Cowboys Official Site – Updates on Rashan Gary and the team’s defensive roster.
- The Heritage – Maxx Crosby Interview – Watch Crosby’s recent appearance discussing his rehab progress.
