Cowboys reportedly make huge Maxx Crosby decision after Ravens back out of trade

The Dallas Cowboys were among the would-be buyers who seemingly missed out on acquiring Maxx Crosby when the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to trade the star pass-rusher to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round draft picks at the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. 

However, the situation shockingly changed when it was learned on Tuesday night that the Ravens were backing out of the deal after Crosby reportedly did not pass his physical. 

Some understandably wondered if the Cowboys could revisit a potential trade for Crosby. It appears that Dallas has moved on. 

Cowboys not "expected" to make this Maxx Crosby move

According to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Cowboys "are not expected to re-engage in Maxx Crosby trade discussions at this time." 

Dallas previously agreed to acquire pass-rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers after it was assumed that the Ravens would introduce Crosby as one of their new players as soon as Wednesday afternoon. NFL Media's Jane Slater later confirmed Russini's update. 

"A team source tells me, 'We moved on with Rashan Gary, etc.,'" Slater added about the Cowboys. 

A February report revealed that Crosby's recovery from the meniscus repair he needed related to his being shut down by the Raiders before the 2025 season ended would be "measured in months, not weeks." At that time, league insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added that it would be "hard to imagine a team trading for" Crosby before he could pass a physical.

That said, history shows that at least one team may give a passing grade to a player who fails a physical with a different club. It appears the Cowboys don't want to take the risk regarding a potential trade for Crosby. 

If not Maxx Crosby, who for Cowboys?

Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals is on track to become the top pass-rusher on the free-agency market at the start of the new league year. His market seemingly wasn't as robust as he had hoped, but it's possible that the Ravens could spark an unexpected bidding war for his services now that they apparently won't be landing Crosby. 

One wonders if the Cowboys were close to coming to an agreement with Hendrickson before Tuesday night's developments unfolded.