The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly close to trading for Maxx Crosby. So close that the Baltimore Ravens had to one-up their offer, emerging out of left field to outbid Jerry Jones' team.
Ultimately, the Ravens backed out of the deal, citing some concerns about his physical. The Cowboys didn't resume their pursuit of the Las Vegas Raiders star, and he's now expected to stay in Sin City for the upcoming season.
Frustrating as that may have been for the fan base, it also seems like the Cowboys may have dodged a huge bullet with this move. In fact, the football gods may have done them a favor for the first time in a long while.
Not Getting Maxx Crosby Was a Blessing in Disguise for the Cowboys
By all means, Maxx Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the game, and the Cowboys desperately need a prime headhunter after losing Micah Parsons last offseason. That said, the asking price may have been a bit too steep, especially given his injury concerns.
Granted, Crosby is believed to be back to full strength for the start of the season, and the Ravens' timing to back out of the deal was suspicious, to say the least. That said, he has missed seven games in the past two seasons, and knee injuries tend to linger as players get older.
More than that, even if the Cowboys had two first-round picks in this year's draft, giving up one this year and one in the stacked 2027 class might've been a little too rich. That's almost as much as the Cowboys got for Micah Parsons, who's two years younger, more productive, and -- until last season -- healthier.
If that reasoning wasn't strong enough, the finances might convince those who are still dwelling on that failed trade. Crosby is making $35.5 million a year and would demand a contract extension sooner rather than later. The Cowboys are already paying a combined $81 million to Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Quinnen Williams, and that's not even counting George Pickens' impending contract extension.
Now, with their two first-round picks, they can either move up to get a top-notch pass-rushing prospect like David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr., or use both selections to address more positional needs, all while also keeping their 2027 first-rounder.
The Cowboys need cost-controlled solutions and players who can contribute not only now but for years to come. Going star-hunting can backfire at times, and while Jerry Jones should definitely keep an eye out for any big-name player who might become available, there were just too many red flags about this potential move.
Would it have been great to watch Crosby play in Dallas? Of course. Still, missing out on him might turn out for the best in the long run.