Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Signals Aggressive Push for Super Bowl Contention at 2026 Training Camp

Jones addressed trade rumors involving Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Max Crosby, stating the Cowboys “did not walk away” from those discussions.

Jerry Jones just brought the Maxx Crosby conversation back right before the start of Dallas Cowboys training camp ABC KRGV 5 - Rio Grande ValleyWhy Maxx Crosby makes sense as Dallas Cowboys’ trade target following Jerry Jones comments Cowboys’ Jerry Jones eyeing possible blockbuster trade, willing to ‘give up future’ Jerry Jones is still keeping a far-fetched Maxx Crosby idea in the back of his pocket Cowboys owner Jerry Jones 'stirs the pot' on potential trade for Raiders DE Maxx Crosby ESPN

The Cowboys finished the 2025 season 7-9-1, posting the franchise’s worst defensive numbers (511 points allowed, 30.1 points per game, 251.5 passing yards allowed). A contract dispute with pass-rusher Micah Parsons ended with his trade to the Green Bay Packers. Dallas responded by overhauling its defensive staff, hiring former Eagles secondary coach Christian Parker as coordinator and adding veterans Rashan Gary, Dee Winters, Jalen Thompson and free-agent safety Caleb Downs.

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Wide receiver George Pickens entered 2026 on a $27.3 million franchise tag after the club and his agent could not reach a long-term deal. In 2025 he recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking third in the league in receiving yards.

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• 2025 record: 7-9-1 (missed playoffs).

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• Defensive rankings (2025): most points allowed, worst points-per-game (30.1), worst passing yards allowed (251.5).

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• Pass-rush pressure total (2025): 197 pressures, 35 sacks.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones 'stirs the pot' on potential trade for Raiders DE Maxx Crosby

• George Pickens 2025: 93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine TDs.

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Jones reiterated confidence in head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the new defensive staff, noting the Cowboys “have the goods” to reshape the unit. Schottenheimer highlighted the physical nature of upcoming practices and joint sessions with the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams, emphasizing improvement of the defense.

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• “You guys, for all practical purposes, don't expect us to be a contender in the Super Bowl. Y'all don't. Why would you? I like that. I do, I like that. And I like what we've put together to show you that we can do it.” — Jerry Jones

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• “We did not walk away, that’s about all there is to say,” — Jerry Jones

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Sources differ on the Max Crosby trade status. ESPN reports the Cowboys “did not walk away” after a Raiders-Ravens deal collapsed, while The Big Lead suggests the Cowboys remain “interested” but have not received a concrete offer. No official confirmation of renewed negotiations has been provided.

Jerry Jones just brought the Maxx Crosby conversation back right before the start of Dallas Cowboys training camp

The Super Bowl is slated for February 14 2027 in Inglewood, California. Jones’s comments indicate the Cowboys aim to be competitive enough to contend, with the first preseason matchup set for mid-August. Ongoing trade evaluations and the integration of new defensive personnel will shape the team’s trajectory through preseason and the regular season.

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