Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has once again turned trade season into a media spectacle. As the trade deadline approaches, his signature mix of media flair and front-office maneuvers is on full display. While Jones stirs up league-wide buzz through the media, one potential target has already closed the door before the Cowboys could even make a move.

During Fox NFL Kickoff, insider Jay Glazer shared that Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby won’t be part of any trade drama.

“The Raiders told him they’re not moving him,” Glazer reported. “But also, Max Crosby said, I don’t want to go anywhere.” According to Glazer, one unnamed team, intrigued by Crosby’s talent and intensity, reached out to express interest. His response? A solid no.

“We love him because of his loyalty. We wish he wasn’t, though,” the unnamed team confessed to Glazer. This perfectly captures the growing admiration for Crosby’s stance. In a time when stars often chase bigger opportunities, Crosby’s decision to stay in Las Vegas highlights his dedication to the Raiders’ long-term rebuild.

During the offseason, he signed a massive $106.5 million three-year contract extension that will keep him with the Raiders until 2030. This complicates his trade situation, as any team interested in him would need to negotiate a long-term deal. At the same time, Jerry Jones appears to be conducting his own form of public negotiation.

In a recent interview, he openly admitted to using the media to express trade interest, calling it “very effective.” This tactic harks back to the Cowboys’ glory days in the 1990s, when public pressure and headlines often led to results.

As trade rumors swirl and Jerry Jones continues to play the media game, the Cowboys are also making quieter roster adjustments behind the scenes. One such move this week involved a familiar wide receiver.

Cowboys release WR Jalen Brooks after injury settlement

This week, the Dallas Cowboys made a significant roster change by parting ways with wide receiver Jalen Brooks after they reached an injury settlement. This move wraps up his two-plus-year journey with the team, as the former seventh-round pick now heads into free agency, looking for a fresh start.

Brooks, drafted in 2023 from South Carolina, had been able to establish a limited role in his first two years. He recorded 18 catches for 241 yards and a touchdown across 21 games. Unfortunately, his season was prematurely ended this year due to a knee injury, and he was able to play just one game. The timing of Brooks’ departure aligns with the Cowboys’ strengthened receiver lineup.

CeeDee Lamb made a comeback from an ankle injury in Week 7, instantly energizing the offense with 110 yards and a touchdown. KaVontae Turpin also returned after a two-week hiatus, while George Pickens is enjoying a breakout first season in Dallas, racking up six touchdowns and over 600 yards.

With Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy, and Jonathan Mingo on board as well, Dallas now boasts a wealth of talent for quarterback Dak Prescott. This roster adjustment signals a clear move towards reliability and productivity as the team aims to stabilize its 3-3-1 start.

Looking ahead, the Cowboys will be tested against the Denver Broncos on October 26.