Cowboys Shouldn't Pay High Price for Raiders' Crosby

Dallas has other options to improve pass rush without sacrificing premium draft picks

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly interested in trading for Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but the suggested asking price of two first-round picks and a player is too high. The Cowboys can find quality pass rushing help in free agency or through a lower-cost trade without mortgaging their future draft capital.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to rebuild their defense and adding an elite pass rusher like Crosby could be a big boost. However, giving up two first-round picks and a player may be an overpay, especially when the team has other options to improve the pass rush at a lower cost.

The details

Reports indicate the Raiders are seeking a steep price of two first-round picks and a player in exchange for Crosby. This would be similar to what the Cowboys received when they traded away edge rusher Micah Parsons last year, even though Parsons is younger and more productive than Crosby over the past four seasons. The Cowboys can find quality pass rushing help in free agency, including Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, and Jaelan Phillips, or through a trade for a player like Jonathan Greenard of the Minnesota Vikings, without having to give up as much.

  • Crosby will be 29 years old when the 2026 season starts.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A pass rushing star for the Las Vegas Raiders who is reportedly available for trade.

Micah Parsons

An edge rusher the Cowboys traded away last year, who is younger and more productive than Crosby over the past four seasons.

Trey Hendrickson

A free agent pass rusher who has been more accomplished than Crosby since entering the league.

Odafe Oweh

A young, quality pass rushing option the Cowboys could target in free agency.

Boye Mafe

Another young, quality pass rushing option the Cowboys could target in free agency.

Jaelan Phillips

A pass rusher who split time between the Dolphins and Eagles last season and is familiar with the Cowboys' defensive scheme.

Jonathan Greenard

A pass rusher for the Vikings who the Cowboys could potentially trade for at a lower cost.

Joey Bosa

An older pass rusher who could be a free agent option for the Cowboys.

Haason Reddick

An older pass rusher who could be a free agent option for the Cowboys.

Khalil Mack

An older pass rusher who could be a free agent option for the Cowboys.

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The takeaway

The Cowboys should avoid paying the high price the Raiders are demanding for Maxx Crosby, as there are other quality pass rushing options available in free agency or through trades that would allow the team to rebuild its defense without sacrificing premium draft capital.