Jerry Jones' three-word answer just reignited Cowboys-Maxx Crosby conversation

Training camp usually focuses on roster battles, but Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shifted attention back to a high-profile pass rusher. Dallas still needs defensive help after trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers and Jones is not giving up on Maxx Crosby.

Their pursuit seemed over after the Baltimore Ravens' trade for Crosby collapsed in March. The Ravens had agreed to send two first-round draft picks to the Las Vegas Raiders, but the deal fell apart when Crosby failed his physical because of a meniscus injury he had surgically repaired in January.

Crosby returned to Las Vegas and publicly committed to the Raiders. Dallas had made offers for Crosby earlier in the offseason, but everything stayed quiet until Jones brought it up to reporters in Oxnard this week at training camp. 

NFL Network's Jane Slater asked Jones why Dallas walked away from Crosby after the Baltimore trade fell apart. Jones paused before giving a three-word answer: "We didn't."

When pressed to explain, he refused to share details but stood by his answer.  "No, no because there's nothing more to elaborate about, but, we did not walk away," Jones said.

The 83-year-old then quickly changed the subject to avoid any NFL tampering penalties, reminding everyone that Crosby is currently under contract and happy with the Raiders.

Crosby is coming off a strong 2025 season where he recorded 10 sacks, 73 tackles, and two forced fumbles. Pro Football Network’s metrics even ranked him as the fifth-best edge rusher in the league. 

Meanwhile, Dallas has spent the whole offseason looking for a pass rusher after missing out on other top targets. The rumors picked up again this week when Jones admitted he is completely open to trading away future draft picks if it means bringing in a high-impact player right now.

For a fan base desperate to upgrade the defense, all these things are more than enough to keep people talking as long as a gap remains in the pass rusher position.

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