Raiders Insider Backs Shocking Maxx Crosby Trade to Cowboys

Proposed deal would send star pass rusher to Dallas in exchange for WR George Pickens and a first-round pick.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 7:39am

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NFL insider Dan Graziano suggests the Dallas Cowboys could acquire star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in a blockbuster trade. The proposed deal would send Crosby and a second-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver George Pickens and a first-round pick.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are in need of defensive help, especially at the edge rusher position, after failing to make the playoffs last season. Adding Crosby, one of the league's top pass rushers, could significantly boost their defense and help them challenge division rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles. For the Raiders, trading Crosby could be part of a larger rebuilding effort after missing the playoffs as the only AFC West team in 2022.

The details

According to Graziano, the Cowboys might be hesitant to offer Pickens a long-term, lucrative contract, as applying the franchise tag could create complications. By trading Pickens, the Cowboys would acquire Crosby, who would make around $30 million per year for the next two years. The Raiders, meanwhile, are in need of a top-tier wide receiver to complement their leading tight end, Brock Bowers.

  • The NFL season recently concluded, leading to speculation around a potential Maxx Crosby trade.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who is one of the league's top pass rushers.

George Pickens

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who the team may be hesitant to offer a long-term, lucrative contract.

Dan Graziano

An NFL insider who suggests the Cowboys could acquire Crosby from the Raiders in a blockbuster trade.

Brock Bowers

The leading tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys likely aren't going to fork over a long-term, top-of-market deal for Pickens, and a franchise-tagging him could cause more problems than it solves. They get back Maxx Crosby, who will make around $30 million per year for the next two years and would replace Parsons.”

— Dan Graziano, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Cowboys and Raiders will need to negotiate the details of the proposed trade, including the exact terms and any additional considerations. The trade would need to be approved by the NFL before it can be finalized.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the strategic considerations and team needs that can drive high-profile player transactions in the NFL. The Cowboys' desire to bolster their defense and the Raiders' need to rebuild could make this a mutually beneficial deal, but the details will need to be worked out before it can become a reality.