Cowboys Reportedly Eyeing Raiders' Maxx Crosby in Blockbuster Trade

Potential deal could reshape NFC title race and shake up NFL landscape.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-tackle, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the impact a trade for Maxx Crosby could have on the NFL.A potential blockbuster trade for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby could reshape the NFL landscape and give the Cowboys a major defensive boost.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly interested in acquiring star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in a potential blockbuster trade. The Cowboys have been seeking to bolster their pass rush, and Crosby, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, could provide a major boost to their defense.

Why it matters

If the Cowboys are able to land Crosby, it would significantly strengthen their defensive unit and make them an even more formidable contender in the NFC. The move could also have ripple effects across the league, potentially shifting the balance of power in the conference and impacting the NFL title race.

The details

The Cowboys have been in pursuit of Crosby since earlier this offseason, but a deal has not materialized yet. Crosby, 24, is coming off a dominant 2021 campaign in which he recorded 12 sacks and made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He would provide an immediate upgrade to the Cowboys' pass rush and complement their existing defensive stars.

  • The Cowboys' interest in Crosby has been ongoing since the start of the offseason.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 24-year-old defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who made the Pro Bowl in 2021 after recording 12 sacks.

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL team based in Dallas, Texas that is seeking to bolster its pass rush and defensive unit.

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What they’re saying

“Maxx Crosby is one of the most dominant young pass rushers in the league, and adding him to the Cowboys' defense would be a game-changer.”

— NFL Analyst

What’s next

If the Cowboys and Raiders can agree on trade terms, the deal would need to be approved by the NFL and finalized before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The potential acquisition of Maxx Crosby would be a major coup for the Dallas Cowboys, solidifying their defense and making them an even more formidable contender in the NFC. The ripple effects of such a trade could be felt across the league.