The long-rumored pursuit of Maxx Crosby by the Dallas Cowboys has taken a dramatic turn, as details of the team’s trade offers have finally come to light. For weeks, speculation swirled around Dallas aggressively targeting the star pass rusher from the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, with reported offers surfacing, it’s clear just how serious the Cowboys were about landing one of the most dominant defensive players in the National Football League.
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Massive Offers on the Table
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
According to the reports, the Cowboys were willing to part with a significant packages that included multiple high draft picks and defensive talent.
The centerpiece of the offers was always one of the Cowboys two 2026 first-round picks, along with either a 2nd rounder or a 3rd rounder. Dallas also reportedly explored including established defensive player Osa Odighizuwa to sweeten the deal and make the offer more appealing to the Raiders.
When the Raiders declined the offers that included Odighizuwa, Dallas eventually traded him to the 49ers. The offers from the Cowboys were the kind of aggressive proposals that signal a team firmly in win-now mode.
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Why Dallas Wanted Crosby
Crosby has emerged as one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league, known for his relentless motor, elite pressure rate, and ability to take over games. For the Cowboys, adding Crosby to a line that features Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark would have created arguably one of the most feared pass-rushing combinations in football.
The move would have elevated a revamped already revamped defense into one capable of dominating opposing offenses, particularly in high-stakes playoff matchups.
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Why the Raiders Said No
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Despite the strong offers, the Raiders ultimately held firm. Crosby is not just a star player—he’s the identity of the defense in Las Vegas. Trading him would require an overwhelming return, and even then, the decision would carry major risks for the franchise.
For now, the Raiders appear committed to building around Crosby rather than moving him.
What It Means for the Cowboys
While Dallas was unable to complete the deal, the revealed offers sent a clear message about the team’s mindset. The Cowboys are willing to be aggressive, even if it means parting with premium assets, in order to compete for a championship. Their pursuit of Crosby shows a front office that is not content to stand still.
A Blockbuster That Almost Happened
Although the trade never materialized, the details of the Cowboys offers provide a fascinating glimpse into what could have been one of the biggest moves in recent memory. And if the Cowboys remain in pursuit—or if the Raiders’ stance ever changes—the story may not be over just yet.
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