Dallas Cowboys miss out on Maxx Crosby - Here’s the edge rusher they could get instead

The Dallas Cowboys had a chance to secure one of the best defensive players in the league with former Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby on the market. But with a big name comes a big price, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was unwilling to pay it.

The Raiders wanted two first-round picks, and so the Baltimore Ravens came away with Crosby instead while the Cowboys are still shopping around with the free agency about to open.

Cowboys interested in another EDGE

The legal tampering period opens later today, and the NFL free agency officially opens on Wednesday, March 11. With that, there could be another EDGE that Dallas is interested in after missing out on Crosby.

Several edge rushers are expected to draw interest across the league, including Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, Odafe Oweh of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jaelan Phillips of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Boye Mafe of the Seattle Seahawks.

But another name may be gaining traction in Dallas’ front office. According to league sources, the Cowboys could be exploring a potential move for Jonathan Greenard of the Minnesota Vikings.

Greenard may be available, as the Vikings are looking to manage their salary cap. The veteran pass rusher carries roughly $38 million over the next two seasons, and a move could save Minnesota around $12 million in cap space.

If they’re willing to move him for a later-round draft pick, then the Cowboys could land a proven pass rusher without having to sacrifice the premium assets that the Ravens gave up for Crosby.

The Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator Christian Parker recently hired Marcus Dixon as their new defensive line coach. Dixon previously worked in Minnesota, where he coached Greenard, a relationship that could help smooth the transition if a deal were to happen.

Greenard’s production has fluctuated in recent seasons. He recorded just three sacks in 12 games last year, a drop-off that could raise concerns for teams considering a trade. However, the veteran edge rusher also has shown he can be highly productive when healthy.

He posted 12 sacks in 2023 with the Houston Texans and followed that with another 12-sack season in 2024 after joining Minnesota, proving he can still be a disruptive presence off the edge.

The bigger question may be financial. Greenard is reportedly seeking a new contract, which could complicate matters for the Cowboys as they attempt to balance aggressive roster upgrades with long-term cap planning.

Cowboys still searching for defensive help

Dallas knows they need help on defense. Jerry Jones has spoken openly this offseason about the need to aggressively improve a defense that struggled last year.

“We have the ammunition to be good at it,” Jones said recently. “And I wouldn’t hesitate to be good at it if it will help our team and help the timeline that we’re talking about.”

Missing out on Crosby was a setback, but it may not be the end of Dallas’ pursuit of a difference-maker on the edge. With free agency opening and potential trade targets emerging, the Cowboys still have time to find the pass rusher who could help reshape their defense.

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