Cowboys ‘Close’ to Maxx Crosby Trade Before ‘Shift’ to Trey Hendrickson Signing: Report

The Dallas Cowboys have been active in the trade market, especially with an eye on improving their pass rush. Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Cowboys were close to acquiring Maxx Crosby, the star pass rusher from the Las Vegas Raiders, but new developments have caused a shift in their focus. According to recent reports, Dallas was “close” to finalizing a trade for Crosby, but with other bidders stepping up, the Cowboys are now reportedly looking towards Trey Hendrickson, another top-tier defensive end in the league.

Maxx Crosby Trade Drama

As we reported earlier, the Cowboys were targeting Maxx Crosby in a trade, a move that would significantly bolster their defensive line. However, Jerry Jones and his team were hesitant to give up two first-round picks for the 25-year-old Raiders star. Crosby, who had a breakout year in 2025 with 16 sacks and a dominant pass rush, was the Cowboys’ top target to improve a defense that already boasts players like Micah Parsons.

While it seemed like Dallas was close to securing Crosby, a shift in focus has now occurred. The Cowboys are reportedly turning their attention to Trey Hendrickson, the defensive standout from the Cincinnati Bengals. This pivot comes as other bidders for Crosby have emerged, making the trade less likely for Dallas at the moment.

The Trey Hendrickson Option

Trey Hendrickson has been a force for the Bengals since joining the team in 2021, with a reputation for being one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league. Hendrickson’s style of play, known for his speed, power, and consistent sack production, would mesh well with Dallas’s defensive scheme. Given that the Cowboys have been monitoring Hendrickson in trade talks, he has become a viable target to shore up the team’s pass rush for the upcoming season.

The shift toward Hendrickson could make a lot of sense for Dallas, especially since he offers a similar skill set to Crosby, but possibly at a more manageable trade price. The move could also be more strategic, as Cincinnati may be willing to part with Hendrickson for a less expensive package than the Raiders would likely demand for Crosby.

Crosby’s Cryptic Social Media Post Sparks Speculation

The intrigue surrounding Maxx Crosby and the Cowboys intensified after the pass rusher’s Instagram story seemed to hint at his future. Crosby posted a video of himself listening to country music artist Shaboozey, specifically his song “Beverly Hills,” which includes the line “Cowboys live forever.” To many fans and analysts, this seemed like an indirect hint that Crosby might soon join the Cowboys.

While this could simply be coincidence, the timing of Crosby’s post, paired with the mounting rumors surrounding his future with the Raiders, has certainly fueled speculation. Furthermore, Crosby posted a video panning the ceiling of his car, where stars could be seen. Some have linked this imagery to the idea of “stardom” and potential stardom in Dallas.

The speculation only grew after Crosby’s comment in a podcast interview, where he mentioned that he had met his “new coach” and that the coach “seems like a great guy.” While this could refer to Klint Kubiak, the new head coach of the Raiders, many have read into this as a sign that Crosby may be preparing to move on from the Raiders and potentially join another team.

Odds Shift on Crosby Trade

The attention surrounding Crosby has also had an impact on the trade market for him. On Kalshi, a public trading platform where users determine odds for trades, the Cowboys have seen a rise in their chances of landing Crosby. Crosby now reportedly has a 29% chance of being traded to Dallas, a figure that’s higher than his chances of staying with Las Vegas (28%) or moving to the Chicago Bears (26%).

While these numbers reflect public sentiment rather than any official news from the Cowboys or Raiders, they still highlight the growing belief that Dallas is a real contender for Crosby’s services. This could be a reflection of the public’s increasing confidence that the Cowboys are indeed in the mix for Crosby, despite the recent shift toward Hendrickson.

Conclusion: Will the Cowboys Pull the Trigger?

With Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson now both on the radar, the Dallas Cowboys are in an interesting position. They are clearly prioritizing adding a top pass rusher to help complement Micah Parsons and solidify their defensive front. The question remains: will the Cowboys make a move for Crosby, or will they pivot to Hendrickson as a more realistic and cost-effective option?

In either case, the Cowboys are expected to make a significant splash in bolstering their defense, and whichever pass rusher they ultimately acquire could help propel them deeper into playoff contention. Time will tell which direction Jerry Jones and the Cowboys take, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys’ defense is about to get even stronger in the 2026 season.