One of the biggest defensive moves of the NFL offseason unfolded when the Baltimore Ravens successfully acquired star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, ending months of speculation surrounding the future of one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.

Baltimore finalized the deal by sending two first round draft picks to the Raiders, a significant investment that demonstrates just how highly the Ravens valued Crosby’s elite pass rushing ability.

After spending the first seven seasons of his career in Las Vegas, Crosby now joins a Ravens defense that already carries a reputation for physical dominance and aggressive play.

Adding a player of Crosby’s caliber instantly elevates Baltimore’s defensive ceiling.

However, the Ravens were far from the only team attempting to secure the veteran edge rusher.

Multiple organizations explored trade possibilities during the months leading up to the deal.

Among the most aggressive suitors were the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars, both of whom made serious attempts to acquire Crosby before Baltimore ultimately won the bidding war.

According to reporting from The Athletic, both teams remained actively involved in trade discussions until the final stages of negotiations.

Despite their interest, neither team could match the Ravens’ willingness to part with two first round selections.

For the Raiders, the value of that offer ultimately proved too strong to decline.

The result was a blockbuster move that reshaped Baltimore’s defensive outlook while leaving Dallas and Jacksonville searching for alternative solutions.

Understanding why those teams fell short requires examining the details of their offers.

According to NFL insider James Palmer, the Cowboys were willing to present a substantial package.

Dallas reportedly offered one first round pick, one second round pick, and additional assets in an effort to persuade the Raiders to complete the trade.

However, the Cowboys drew a firm line when it came to including a second first round selection.

From their perspective, sacrificing two premium draft picks would have limited their ability to address multiple roster needs.

Dallas ultimately chose to maintain that flexibility rather than match Baltimore’s aggressive offer.

The Jacksonville Jaguars faced a different obstacle entirely.

While Jacksonville also showed strong interest in acquiring Crosby, their situation was complicated by a previous draft decision.

The Jaguars had traded away their first round pick in a deal for Travis Hunter the previous year, leaving them without the type of high value asset the Raiders were seeking.

Without that crucial bargaining chip, Jacksonville’s chances of completing the deal became significantly smaller.

Palmer noted that although the Jaguars were actively involved in discussions, the absence of a first round pick weakened their negotiating position.

Once Baltimore placed two first round selections on the table, the Raiders quickly moved toward finalizing the agreement.

With Crosby now headed to Baltimore, both Dallas and Jacksonville must pivot toward alternative strategies for improving their pass rush.

That objective remains critical for both franchises.

During the 2025 season, the Cowboys finished tied for 22nd in the NFL in total sacks, while the Jaguars ranked even lower at 27th.

Those numbers highlight a clear need for additional pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

While missing out on Crosby may feel disappointing, the situation is far from catastrophic for either team.

Both franchises still possess multiple pathways for strengthening their defensive fronts.

For the Jaguars, the outlook remains somewhat encouraging.

Although the team recorded just 32 sacks last season, Jacksonville showed signs of becoming one of the more competitive teams in the league during the final stretch of the regular season.

Much of that progress came from the development of their existing pass rushing duo.

Travon Walker and Josh Hines Allen remain key pieces of Jacksonville’s defensive identity.

Walker’s production dipped slightly last season, finishing with 3.5 sacks, but the organization believes he can return to the form he displayed earlier in his career.

In both 2023 and 2024, Walker delivered back to back double digit sack seasons, demonstrating the type of impact he can have when operating at full strength.

If Walker rebounds and Hines Allen continues his consistent performance, Jacksonville may still field a respectable pass rush without making a blockbuster addition.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys face a slightly different situation.

Dallas’ defense contains several areas that require reinforcement beyond the edge rushing position.

While adding Crosby would have immediately solved one major weakness, the Cowboys’ decision to preserve their draft capital may ultimately prove beneficial.

By retaining their high value selections, Dallas now holds the No. 12 and No. 20 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Those selections provide the front office with an opportunity to address multiple defensive positions rather than concentrating all resources on a single player.

Although the Cowboys may not land a superstar equivalent to Crosby, they could potentially add two strong defensive prospects capable of contributing immediately.

For the Jaguars, the draft path looks slightly different.

Because they do not possess a first round pick this year, Jacksonville will rely heavily on its depth of selections.

The team currently holds 11 total picks in the upcoming draft, giving the front office ample opportunity to add depth and developmental talent across the roster.

Even without a high first round selection, that volume of picks can help strengthen multiple positions.

Beyond the draft, both teams can also explore free agency as a way to upgrade their pass rush.

Several notable edge rushers are expected to become available on the open market.

Among the most prominent names are Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips, both of whom have established reputations as highly productive pass rushers.

In addition to those stars, several other quality options may be available at more moderate contract values.

Players such as Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Boye Mafe, and Kwity Paye could provide valuable depth and rotational pressure.

These players may not generate the same headline impact as Crosby, but they can still significantly strengthen defensive fronts.

Another possibility involves pursuing a trade for a different veteran defender.

One potential target mentioned by analysts is Jonathan Greenard of the Minnesota Vikings, who has emerged as a reliable pass rusher in recent seasons.

Exploring trades for players like Greenard could allow teams to improve their defenses without sacrificing the massive draft capital required for Crosby.

Of course, financial considerations will play a major role in determining which path each team ultimately chooses.

Both the Cowboys and Jaguars currently face salary cap limitations, which could restrict their ability to aggressively pursue expensive free agents.

However, NFL teams frequently create additional cap space through contract restructures and strategic roster moves.

If either franchise decides that strengthening the pass rush is a top priority, there are mechanisms available to generate the necessary financial flexibility.

In Dallas, owner Jerry Jones has already signaled that the team intends to adopt a more aggressive approach during the upcoming offseason.

Jones publicly stated that the Cowboys plan to be more active in free agency, a declaration that suggests the organization is preparing to make significant roster upgrades.

If that commitment holds true, Dallas could still emerge as a major player in the defensive market despite missing out on Crosby.

For both teams, the failure to land the Raiders’ star defender may simply represent one chapter in a much longer offseason story.

Roster construction rarely hinges on a single transaction.

Instead, successful teams often build competitive rosters through a series of calculated moves across free agency, the draft, and strategic trades.

While the Baltimore Ravens ultimately secured the biggest prize in Maxx Crosby, the Cowboys and Jaguars still have plenty of opportunities ahead to reshape their defenses.

And with several months remaining before the next NFL season begins, t