TOO MUCH: Dallas Cowboys PASS on Maxx Crosby Trade | Next Move For Defense???

Summary

---

Locked On Cowboys – "TOO MUCH: Dallas Cowboys PASS on Maxx Crosby Trade | Next Move For Defense???"

Date: March 9, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

---

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Dallas Cowboys’ recent near-trade for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby and explores why the team ultimately backed out of the deal. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool analyze the implications of this decision, offer perspectives on roster-building philosophy, and preview what moves Dallas could pursue next as they try to retool the defense before free agency.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Details of the Maxx Crosby Trade Fallout

(01:17–06:35)

• The Offer & Aftermath:

  • The Cowboys reportedly offered a 2026 first-round pick, a future second-round pick, and a veteran player for Maxx Crosby. The Raiders chose the Ravens’ competing offer instead.
  • Both hosts express relief and support for Dallas’ restraint.

• Aging & Value Concerns:

  • Marcus: “It felt like it was just a little bit too rich to, to pay... he is 29 years old. He's played a ton of snaps at this point. I certainly think that he could be an interesting needle mover, but... the Cowboys at this point also need depth and need that talent kind of spread out.” (02:17)
  • Landon: “The way to get this defense back to being acceptable is by adding depth and not being so top-heavy... when you’re this cap strong and you don’t have a second or third-round pick next year, I don’t think it makes sense.” (02:56)

• Lessons from History:

  • Previous near-misses for Dallas (Jamal Adams, Earl Thomas) worked out for the better, as massive trade prices often backfire long-term.
  • Landon: “Some of the best deals [Jerry Jones] has made are the ones that ultimately didn’t go through.” (04:19)

• Discipline & Process Praised:

  • Both hosts highlight that setting a firm price and refusing to overpay demonstrates front-office discipline.
  • Marcus: “It showed good process for the Cowboys as well... they have an idea of what they want, they're not becoming obsessed and then throwing a bunch of cash at it necessarily.” (04:45)

• Roster-Building Philosophy:

  • The team cannot afford to be top-heavy in talent at the expense of depth or future flexibility.
  • Landon: “They kind of already took their big swing on trading for a veteran defensive lineman last year... Doing it twice in six months is a little too rich for me.” (05:36)

2. What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys Defense?

(09:05–12:44)

• Edge Rusher Still a Priority:

  • The search for pass rush help continues, with free agency set to start soon.
  • Marcus: “I think edge rusher is still a priority... What's at the top of the market for pass rusher? Which guy is potentially the best fit?” (09:05)
  • Possible high-end targets: Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe; Joey Bosa mentioned as a possible short-term rental.

• Trade Market Options:

  • Marcus: “There are still other trades out there... the Jonathan Greenard situation out of Minnesota.” (10:24)
    • Noted connection: Cowboys’ coach Marcus Dixon was previously in Minnesota, giving some familiarity with Greenard.

• Jonathan Greenard as a Target:

  • Landon: “The sack numbers... were poor, but his win rate was 17.4%, which is the highest of his career... I think if you want a two-year rental and don’t want to have to worry about edge rusher in Round 1 of the draft, Greenard’s a really interesting prospect.” (11:38)
  • Greenard is 28, turning 29 soon—potential to rebound in production and isn’t a long-term cap burden.

• Draft & Development Caution:

  • Marcus: “Defensive end... notoriously difficult to... instantaneously microwave some talent out of a rookie... maybe flipping just a single first round pick, maybe 20th pick for a guy like this who’s still young.” (12:27)
  • The team is weighing immediate upgrade versus long-term development, trying to balance both.

---

Notable Quotes

• “It felt like it was just a little bit too rich to pay. You know, keeping in mind that, again, he is 29 years old. He's played a ton of snaps at this point... the Cowboys at this point also need depth.”
  — Marcus Mosher (02:17)

• “The way to get this defense back to being acceptable is by adding depth and not being so top heavy because... your three or four weakest players on defense would get exposed. You’re just never going to be able to win that way.”
  — Landon McCool (02:56)

• “Some of the best deals that [Jerry Jones] has made are the ones that ultimately didn’t go through.”
  — Landon McCool (04:19)

• “It showed. Good process for the Cowboys as well... they're exploring these issues. They have an idea of what they want. They're not becoming obsessed and then throwing a bunch of cash at it necessarily.”
  — Marcus Mosher (04:45)

• “They kind of already took their big swing on trading for a veteran defensive lineman last year when you gave up a first and second round pick for Quinnen Williams. Doing it twice in six months is a little too rich for me.”
  — Landon McCool (05:36)

• “Edge rusher is still a priority... What's at the top of the market for pass rusher?... I would not be shocked if the Cowboys were in on any of these, you know, let's say the first pod of pass rushers.”
  — Marcus Mosher (09:05)

• “Jonathan Greenard is a really interesting player because the sack numbers... were poor, but his win rate was 17.4%, which is the highest of his career. He just got really unlucky when it came to sacking the quarterbacks. And we know that sacks can be a quarterback stat and they can be fluky.”
  — Landon McCool (11:38)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:17] — Show opens: Reaction to Maxx Crosby trade miss.
• [02:17–04:01] — Hosts break down why the price for Crosby was too high.
• [04:01–04:45] — Examples of trades that didn’t happen and paid off.
• [04:45–06:13] — Process & discipline praised; caution against stacking too many old, highly-paid players.
• [09:05] — Pivot: What’s next for the Cowboys’ defense and edge rusher market preview.
• [10:24–12:44] — Trade and free agent targets discussed, Jonathan Greenard profile.

---

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• The hosts largely agree that missing out on Maxx Crosby may benefit the Cowboys in the long run, as over-committing resources to a single aging star wouldn't align with the team's current cap structure and depth needs.
• Dallas demonstrated discipline and process—the hosts believe this is a positive sign for future team-building decisions.
• Edge rusher remains a priority; Dallas will be active in both free agency and the trade market, with players like Jonathan Greenard seen as potential fits.
• The team wants to avoid repeating past mistakes of sacrificing depth and flexibility for star power, aiming for a more balanced defensive group moving forward.

---

For future episodes:
The next full-length show will dive deeper into strategies for winning free agency.
Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @McCoolBCB for updates.

---

Transcript

[Marcus Moser]

Foreign.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Your team every day. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credits stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

Prime one day delivery is fast. How fast we talking? We're talking yoga mats and fitness trackers delivered so fast you can kick off your routine tomorrow.

[Marcus Moser]

Fast.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

We're talking awakes at your door without really waiting. Fast. Water bottles and hydration backpacks Fast and fast. Resistance spans faster than you can say. Feel the burn. More jump ropes. Just a hop, skip and a jump away. AKA fast. That was actually a good workout. Fast.

[Marcus Moser]

Fast.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

One day delivery for all things fitness. It's on prime.

[Lena McCool]

The Dallas Cowboys just missed out on a Max Crosby trade. We'll tell you why that might be a good thing next. You are Locked On Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network. Your team every day. We'd like to thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network. I am your host, Marcus Moser. He is Lena McCool and and on today's show, we're discussing Max Crosby almost being traded to the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys offered a 2026 first round pick, a future second round pick, and a veteran player. For Max Crosby, the Raiders ultimately took the deal from the Ravens instead. Lena, what's your takeaway from the Cowboys? Just missing out on Max.

[Marcus Moser]

Yeah, I'm, I'm, I'm kind of glad that they did. I mean, it felt like it was just a little bit too rich to, to pay. You know, keeping in mind that again, he is 29 years old. He's played a ton of snaps at this point. I, I certainly think that he could be an interesting needle mover, but I also had concerns about that paying that much capital. And I think that for the Cowboys they need numbers. You know, like, I think that having that kind of talent is very important and we do need difference makers. But the Cowboys at this point also need depth and need that talent kind of spread out. So I think at this point I'd probably rather keep the picks and the, the veteran player.

[Lena McCool]

Yeah. And I'M with you. I think the way to get this defense back to being acceptable is by adding depth and not being so top heavy because that's the reason why they really made the Micah Parsons trade a year ago was because they felt like they had too much money invest invested into the top end of their defense. They would get into these big games and your three or four, you know, weakest players on defense would get exposed. You're just never going to be able to win that way. That doesn't mean that the Cowboys shouldn't be going after really good players, but I think giving up that many assets, as you know, especially when you're this cap strong and you don't have a second round pick and you don't have a third round pick next year, I don't think it makes sense.

[Marcus Moser]

Yeah, I think it was just a little bit too much. And you know, if it had not worked out for the Cowboys, it really would have been disastrous. So you've got a little bit of a window, but it's not just 2026, it could be 2027 as well. I do feel like if you pull this trade off, you kind of hurt your ability if, if it doesn't work out, right?

[Lena McCool]

Yes.

[Marcus Moser]

You got to hurt your ability to reopen that window next year a little bit.

[Lena McCool]

There's also part of me that looks at like some of the other trades the Cowboys have been interested in before and didn't ultimately get done. And sometimes those worked out for the better. Like the best example of this was when the Cowboys were offering was a two first round picks for Jamal Adams. We know how that went. Or they were offering multiple first round picks for Earl Thomas when he was in Seattle that ultimately. Yeah, I mean there, there's plenty of these examples where, and Jerry Jones has talked about it. Some of the best deals that he, that he's made are the ones that ultimately didn't go through. Right. I just think even a draft, in a draft class that's weaker, having the extra cap space, having these two first round picks will help raise the floor of these, of this defensive unit also.

[Marcus Moser]

I think just showing the discipline of having a cap right, like, of having a hard cap on what they were willing to pay, it sounded like they went, they went to, to Vegas and said, hey, here's the offer, like we're not moving from it. If you want to take it, you've got until free agency starts on Monday. They found it, but they used that to find a better offer, which is fine for us because that was the Most we wanted to pay. So I think, you know, it showed. Good process for the Cowboys as well, which again, kind of is another in a series of pretty decent showings as far as at least how they're trying to do this. Right. They're exploring these issues. They have an idea of what they want. They're not becoming obsessed and then throwing a bunch of cash at it necessarily. They are, you know, being very deliberate about this whole situation. And I like that.

[Lena McCool]

Just to be clear, Max Crosby's an unbelievable player, so this is not, this is not trying to poo poo Crosby or anything like that. There were some real concerns about where he's at at this stage of his career, and I hope he stays healthy and I hope he's awesome for Baltimore. I just think the Cowboys, they kind of already took their big swing on trading for a veteran defensive lineman last year when you gave up a first and second round pick for Quinn and Williams. Doing it twice in six months. Six months is a little too rich for me.

[Marcus Moser]

Yeah, it's again, kind of just getting to the point where you're, you're making what you're supposed to be making a younger roster a lot older. Right.

[Lena McCool]

Again.

[Marcus Moser]

And you're losing the opportunity cost of, of making it even younger by, by having those, those two draft picks lost in the process as well. So, yeah, I mean, I think it's again, we liked him enough that we considered giving a first round pick and plus for him. But I think that there is a point, there is a limit to which you're willing to take that risk. And I think the Cowboys acted appropriately.

[Lena McCool]

All right, let's talk about what's next for the Cowboys when it comes to addressing their defense. We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by indeed. Workplace chaos. Deadline stacking up, inbox overflowing. And the one position that you still have to fill is sitting open. When the pressure's on and you need the right hire, then this is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs. Indeed sponsored jobs help you reach the people who actually fit what you're looking for. Skills, experience, location. So you're not just hoping that the right candidate stumbles across your post. So if you're hiring, spend less time searching and more time interviewing candidates who check all of your boxes with Indeed Sponsored jobs. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help give your job the premium status that it deserves@ Indeed.com just go to Indeed.com podcast right now and support our show by saying you Heard about Indeed on this podcast. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs. This episode is brought to you by Game Time. We live in a world where you can stream anything, order food in minutes, and carry supercomputers in our pockets. And yet, somehow buying tickets to a live game still feels complicated. Hidden fees, jumping prices, endless steps. There's got to be a better way. And there is, and it's why I use Game Time. It gives the advantage back to the fans, and it makes getting tickets simple, whether it's NFL games, concerts, comedy, whatever you're into. I was just on the app the other day looking for tickets for a hockey game, and I was shocked at some of the deals they had. But my favorite part of the app is that the price you see includes all of the fees, so there's no surprises at checkout. So take the guesswork out of buying tickets with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use promo code LockedOn for $20 off your first purchase Terms apply again, create an account, redeem promo code locked on for $20 off and download game Time today. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. Landon. Let's talk about what's next for the Cowboys. We know free agency starts on Monday, but what do you expect is next for the defense after missing out on Max Crosby?

[Marcus Moser]

I think edge rusher is still a priority, right? We still have to kind of look at the. The market, and I think that's kind of where you pivot to is. All right, what's at the top of the market for pass rusher? What. What are we looking to spend? And, and you know, what, which, which guy is. Is, you know, potentially the best fit. So I, I would not be shocked if the Cowboys were in on any of these, you know, let's say the first pod of pass rushers. Right? Let's. With. Let's call them. Hendrickson, Phillips, Adafi, maybe Boy Mafe. Oh, Dafi. Oh, wait, I meant. Sorry. And who else am I missing? Is there someone else that's kind of in that tier? Maybe.

[Lena McCool]

I mean, there's, there's quiddy pay, there's Joey Bosa.

[Marcus Moser]

I don't know if I put. I think pay is beneath them to me, and Bosa is like a rental to me. So I would be looking more at that tier above potentially. But there is a possibility that they decide to go the more. Kind of like you're suggesting the, like the veteran rental situation, right? Like the. You wanted to go and get a Bosa for. I don't Know, like what do you think, like seven to nine million dollars or it might even be a little bit more than that. More like 10 or free agency. So certainly possible. Right? Ye. And there's guys like that out there and I think that the other thing that is available to them is there are still other trades out there. There's been some talk about the Cowboys potentially being interested or at least sniffing around, which again, good process. Good. You know, being diligent of the Jonathan Greenard Garnard situation out of Minnesota. Obviously we have Marcus Dixon who came from Minnesota, has some familiarity with the player. He had a little bit of a down year last year if I'm not mistaken. Pretty sure he didn't even have five sacks. But he's. He's a guy who just came off of double digit sacks I think the two years previous to that and has shown that he is a productive player and I think is still very young. So the question becomes like what. What does a player like that cost for you? The, the Vikings are looking to kind of get a little bit cheaper. They've got a couple other investments there. So it's not a case where the player is bad necessarily. I think if anything you could be getting a situation where the player could be still on the ascend. But what is Minnesota going to be willing to give up for it? I think there's. You might be able to get it get a little. Get him a little bit cheap because of his situation with the contract and they may be looking to do kind of a contract dump situation. But he's an interesting player to take a look at. The point is that there are lots of options still left for the Cowboys and Greener.

[Lena McCool]

Jonathan Greenard is a really interesting player because the sack tallers. You're right. I think he had three last year were poor, but his win rate was 17.4% which is the highest of his career. He just got really unlucky when it came to sacking the quarterbacks. And we know that sacks can be a quarterback stack and they can be fluky. You know, in 2024 he had 13 sacks and his win rate was 14.8. It wouldn't shock me if he, you know, has a 15, 16% win rate next year and it's right back up to nine or 10 sacks. So the cap situation is going to be one to keep an eye on here. He's only 28, so it's not like you're getting a super old player. He does turn 29 in May, but I think if you want a two year rental and you don't want to have to worry about edge rusher and run one of the draft. I think Garnard's a really interesting prospect

[Marcus Moser]

here and again we talked about it before like defensive end being a position that is notoriously difficult to kind of instantaneously microwave some talent out of a rookie, maybe flipping just a single first round pick, maybe 20th pick for a guy like this who's still young.

[Lena McCool]

Ish.

[Marcus Moser]

I think it gives you some some instant production potentially.

[Lena McCool]

That is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. If you never miss an episode, the everyday club is built for you. Get locked on Cowboys ad free members only, discord access and so much more. And for those of you on video, we can send you the first ever 24.7national NBA YouTube channel and on audio, make your second listen the locked on NFL Draft podcast. Go to LockedOn cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. And on tomorrow's episode, our full length episode, we're going to be talking about how to win in free agency. Some rules to remember, some things that good teams generally do to win this week. So make sure you guys check that out. Follow landon on Twitter McCoolBCB. I'm @MarcusMoser and we'll see you right back here tomorrow.

[Arby's Announcer]

Not to brag or anything, But Arby's new $7.99 meat and three box is kind of a big deal. The other guys give you just one side. We give you three sides. Not to brag. You get a meaty sandwich, curly fries, Mott sticks, a sweet treat and a drink. All for just $7.99. It's more meal for your money. More meal for your money. More meal for your money. Where'd that come from?

[Lena McCool]

Arby's.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

We have the meats and participating Arby's for a limited time prime one day deliveries.

[Lena McCool]

Fast.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

How fast we talking? We're talking yoga mats and fitness trackers delivered so fast you can kick off your routine tomorrow.

[Chevrolet Announcer]

Fast.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

We're talking weights at your door with without really waiting. Fast. Water bottles and hydration backpacks. Fast and fast. The resistance spans faster than you could say Feel the burn.

[Marcus Moser]

Fast.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

More jump ropes. Just a hop, skip and a jump away. AKA fast. That was actually a good workout.

[Lena McCool]

Fast. Fast.

[Amazon Prime Announcer]

One day delivery for all things fitness. It's on Prime.

[Chevrolet Announcer]

There's a reason Chevy trucks are known for their dependability. It's because they show up no matter the weather. Push forward no matter the terrain and deliver. That's why Chevrolet has earned more dependability awards for trucks than than any other brand in 2025, according to J.D.

[Lena McCool]

power.

[Chevrolet Announcer]

Because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all trucks in the J.D. power 2025 U.S. vehicle Dependability Study Awards based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit J.D. power.com awards for more details. Chevrolet Together, let's drive.