Maxx Crosby
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The Cowboys remain one of the top landing spots for Raiders' star pass rusher Maxx Crosby
If there’s a team in the NFL that could use a big offseason, it’s the Dallas Cowboys. After trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers right before Week 1 last season, the Cowboys’ defense never recovered, and the team missed the playoffs entirely. With fans getting frustrated, Jerry Jones and company need to figure out a way to infuse their roster with some talent.
Over the past few weeks, one guy whose name has continually popped up in trade rumors is Las Vegas Raiders‘ defensive end Maxx Crosby. Dallas never truly replaced Parsons after surprisingly unloading him, and according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, it remains one of the top landing spots for Crosby should he end up being on the move.
Cowboys Get Linked to Maxx Crosby Trade
Replacing Parsons in 2025 was always going to be a borderline impossible task for the Cowboys, especially given the timing of the trade. However, now that the offseason is here, Dallas can properly reinforce its defensive line, whether it be by signing someone in free agency, swinging a blockbuster trade, or using one of its first-round picks on this position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Trading for Crosby is probably the most attractive option of the bunch, as he’s one of the few players who can come close to being in the same stratosphere as Parsons. In 2025, Crosby racked up 73 tackles (a career-high 28 of which went for a loss), 10 sacks, one interception, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Crosby’s ability to play just as well against the run as he does the pass makes him a three-down menace that opposing offenses always have to keep tabs on.
Crosby’s frustrations with the Raiders appear to have finally boiled over, and it could lead to him finally getting dealt after years of trade rumors. With a Parsons-sized hole to fill, the Cowboys appear to be one of his top suitors, and Pelissero confirmed that he believes they are in the hunt for the five-time Pro Bowler’s services.
“Maxx is from that area, he trains in the offseason with CeeDee Lamb,” Pelissero said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “The Cowboys have ammunition. They don’t have any Day 2 picks this year, but they’ve got two first-rounders. They’ve got enough cash and cap flexibility. Jerry Jones has indicated they’re going to be aggressive, and I believe a lot of that aggressiveness is going to be focused on the defensive side of the ball.”
Should the Cowboys Trade for Maxx Crosby?
Maxx Crosby
GettyThe Raiders are only going to trade Maxx Crosby if they receive an offer they can’t refuse
While the Raiders appear to be open to listening for offers on Crosby, they aren’t going to just give him away for free. Dallas’ current draft pick situation makes things a bit more complicated, but it still has a pair of first-round picks, which gives it some options when negotiating with Las Vegas.
There’s obviously a limit to what Jones will be looking to give up in order to acquire Crosby, especially when considering how poorly received the Parsons trade ended up being. But if there’s a way for him to right his wrongs, acquiring Crosby would likely come in at the top of that list, making it a move Dallas has to consider, no matter how high the price may be.