The Dallas Cowboys may be preparing for one of the biggest defensive moves of the offseason. According to reports around the NFL, team owner Jerry Jones has approved trades sending defensive linemen Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas out of Dallas on Wednesday in an effort to clear salary cap space and create flexibility for a potential blockbuster trade for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. If the move ultimately leads to Crosby landing in Dallas, it could dramatically reshape the Cowboys defense.
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Creating Financial Flexibility
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Moving both Odighizuwa and Thomas appears to be a strategic financial decision. Defensive players with established roles often carry significant cap hits, and trading them would provide the Cowboys with additional room to absorb the type of contract required to acquire an elite pass rusher like Crosby.
Dallas has long prioritized building a dominant defensive front, and freeing up cap space could be a necessary step toward landing one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.
Why Maxx Crosby Is the Target
Crosby has emerged as one of the most feared pass rushers in football during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. Known for his relentless motor, elite pressure rate, and leadership on defense, he has become the centerpiece of the Raiders’ pass rush.
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Adding Crosby would immediately elevate the Cowboys’ defensive ceiling and potentially create one of the most dangerous pass-rushing units in the NFL. Pairing Crosby with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Rashan Gary could give Dallas one of the most dominant defensive fronts in the league.
A Bold Move by Jerry Jones
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jerry Jones has never been afraid to pursue headline-grabbing moves, especially when the Cowboys believe they are close to competing for a championship.
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Trading established defensive players in order to pursue a superstar like Crosby would fit that aggressive approach. It signals that the Cowboys are willing to make significant roster changes in order to strengthen one of the most important areas of their team.
A Defense Built to Dominate
If Dallas successfully completes a trade for Crosby, the Cowboys’ defense could instantly become one of the most intimidating units in the league. Elite pass rushers often change the outcome of games, particularly in the postseason, where quarterback pressure can disrupt even the most powerful offenses.
For now, the situation remains fluid. But by trading Odighizuwa and Thomas, the Cowboys appear to be setting the stage for a major move—one that could bring Maxx Crosby to Dallas and reshape the future of the franchise’s defense.
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