DALLAS – In a dramatic attempt to salvage their season, the Dallas Cowboys made aggressive trade offers for star pass rushers Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the NFL’s November 4th trade deadline – but saw both blockbuster proposals rejected, per FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer.
The failed bids reveal the Cowboys’ front office is in near-panic mode over a defense that has consistently underperformed this season. Dallas currently ranks near the bottom of the league in several key defensive categories, including pass rush pressure rate and points allowed.
Why the Cowboys Went All-In
• Maxx Crosby: A perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate who would instantly transform Dallas’s defensive front.
• Trey Hendrickson: A consistent, high-sack edge rusher who could provide the complementary presence opposite Micah Parsons the Cowboys desperately need.
The fact that Jerry Jones was willing to part with significant draft capital for either player underscores how urgently the team views its Super Bowl window closing.
Why Both Teams Said No
Sources indicate both the Raiders and Bengals viewed the offers as insufficient for franchise cornerstones. Las Vegas remains committed to building around Crosby, while Cincinnati sees Hendrickson as vital to its playoff hopes.
What’s Next for Dallas?
With their top targets off the board, the Cowboys must now either:
Pivot to less-impactful secondary trade options
Rely on internal improvement from their current roster
The clock is ticking for Jerry Jones to make a move before Tuesday’s 3:00 PM CT deadline. One thing is clear: the Cowboys recognize their defensive deficiencies – but fixing them just became much more difficult.