The Dallas Cowboys have officially entered the NFL trade deadline conversation in a major way. According to reports, they’ve reached out to the Las Vegas Raiders to gauge the availability of Maxx Crosby – one of the league’s premier edge defenders and a relentless force on both sides of the ball.
Let’s be clear: if there’s even a sliver of a chance to land Crosby, the Cowboys need to be all in. This isn’t just a splashy headline move – it’s the kind of addition that could tip the scales in the NFC.
Dallas already has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone, but the defense has been missing that one extra piece to elevate it from good to dominant. Crosby could be that piece.
Why the Fit Makes Sense – On the Field and On the Cap Sheet
From a football standpoint, Crosby’s motor, versatility, and production speak for themselves. He’s been a consistent Pro Bowl-level performer despite playing on a Raiders defense that, frankly, hasn’t given him much help. Pair him with the Cowboys’ existing defensive talent, and you’re looking at a potential game-wrecker in a system that could finally maximize his impact.
But beyond the Xs and Os, this move makes just as much sense financially. Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension this offseason, with $91.5 million guaranteed.
That’s a hefty deal, but in today’s pass-rusher market, it’s aging well. He’s currently the fifth-highest-paid EDGE in the league, and with younger stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr. due for new contracts soon, Crosby’s deal could look like a bargain in a year or two.
For the Cowboys, the immediate cost is more than manageable. They’d be responsible for just $20.3 million this season.
His $29 million salary becomes fully guaranteed in March, but the cap hits beyond that – $35.88 million in 2026, followed by $29.78 million and $27.28 million – are workable within the structure of a contending team’s budget, especially considering the value Crosby brings. And because next year’s salary is already guaranteed, Dallas wouldn’t have to make any tough decisions until after the 2026 season.
If Crosby keeps producing, they can talk extension. If not, they’re not locked in long-term.
A Defense That Needs a Finisher
Dallas doesn’t have a bad defense – far from it – but it’s been missing that second elite presence on the edge. Micah Parsons is a generational talent, but he can’t do it all alone.
Adding Crosby to a front seven that already includes DeMarvion Overshown, Osa Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark could be the catalyst for a dominant unit. And on the back end, pairing that kind of pressure with a secondary featuring DaRon Bland and Donovan Ezeiruaku?
That’s how you build a defense that can get off the field on third down – and win playoff games.
What makes Crosby so valuable is that he’s not just a pass-rushing specialist. He’s a plus run defender, capable of setting the edge and playing with discipline.
That’s exactly the kind of presence Dallas needs to balance out its front four. The Cowboys have struggled at times to generate consistent pressure with just four rushers.
Crosby changes that equation. He creates mismatches, collapses pockets, and forces offenses to account for him on every snap.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about making a flashy move for the sake of headlines. It’s about identifying the missing piece on a roster that’s already built to contend.
Maxx Crosby is that piece. His contract is team-friendly relative to his production, his skill set fits perfectly with what Dallas needs, and he brings a level of intensity and leadership that can elevate an entire unit.
If the Cowboys can get this done, it could be the kind of move we look back on as the turning point in their season – and maybe more.
