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Cowboys Get Unexpected News After Maxx Crosby Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 11:59 AM ET

Jerry Jones watched on as the Dallas Cowboys failed to make the NFL playoffs for a second consecutive season in 2025. Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys began the season with a 6-5-1 record, in the hunt for a postseason spot. But they finished losing four of their last five games, ending with a 7-9-1 record.

Now, the Cowboys have turned to the offseason in hopes of getting back to the playoffs. One of their top targets was Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, with Dallas offering a first- and second-round pick for the All-Pro. But Crosby was later traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks, before the deal was rescinded after the pass rusher failed a physical exam.

Despite failing his physical, Jones could still have an interest in a potential deal for Crosby down the road. Last week, the longtime Cowboys owner noted that while he does not anticipate a trade for Crosby, he decided not to “rule anything out.” But now, another recent Dallas acquisition has made a trade for the Raiders star even more possible.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on from the sideline.Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Rashan Gary spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, playing alongside former Dallas star Micah Parsons in 2025. In 106 total games played, the former Michigan defensive end has totaled 270 tackles, 46.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries.

But just last week, Jones decided to replace some of Parsons' production by acquiring Gary in a trade with the Packers, sending a 2027 fourth-round pick in return. Initially, Gary was entering the third year of his four-year, $96 million deal, which would be an average annual salary of $24 million.

However, on Monday, it was revealed that Gary agreed to a pay cut as part of the trade with Green Bay, a move that is uncommon in any job, lowering his annual salary to $16 million over the next two seasons. The pay cut will also reduce Gary’s cap hit to just $5.44 million in 2026 and $8.24 million in 2027, allowing Jones to potentially make more moves, including increasing the possibility of acquiring Crosby.

"New Cowboys edge Rashan Gary agreed to a pay cut as part of the trade from Green Bay, dropping his compensation to $16 million each of the next two seasons," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote on X. "Dallas also added an option and void years, lowering Gary's cap number to $5.44M this season and $8.24M in 2027."

New Cowboys edge Rashan Gary agreed to a pay cut as part of the trade from Green Bay, dropping his compensation to $16 million each of the next two seasons.

Dallas also added an option and void years, lowering Gary's cap number to $5.44M this season and $8.24M in 2027.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2026

Gary likely becomes the Cowboys' top pass rusher in 2026, barring another move. With defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark also on the line, Dallas suddenly has a strong core in the trenches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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