Cowboys Reportedly Eyeing Raiders' $106M All-Pro DE in Blockbuster Trade

Dallas could shake up the offseason with a bold move for Las Vegas' star pass rusher.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:18am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-sack motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the aggressive, high-stakes nature of a potential blockbuster trade.A bold trade for an elite pass rusher could reshape the Cowboys' defense and their hopes of a Super Bowl run.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that would send a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for two-time All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby. The move would bolster the Cowboys' struggling defense and provide a formidable pass rush.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense has been a major weakness in recent seasons, and adding a dominant pass rusher like Crosby could transform their entire unit. Crosby is one of the highest-paid and most productive defensive ends in the NFL, so acquiring him would be a major statement by the Cowboys as they look to compete for a Super Bowl.

The details

Crosby, 25, is entering the third year of a four-year, $106 million contract he signed with the Raiders in 2022. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2022 after recording 17 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles.

  • The proposed trade would take place during the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A two-time Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who is one of the highest-paid and most productive pass rushers in the NFL.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, known for his aggressive approach to team-building and willingness to make bold moves.

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What they’re saying

“This is probably a very un-Jerry Jones-like move (2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby), but the Cowboys' defense is a mess, and they desperately need help with their pass rush.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys would need to negotiate a trade with the Raiders during the 2026 offseason in order to acquire Maxx Crosby.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' reported interest in trading for Maxx Crosby shows their commitment to upgrading their defense and acquiring elite talent, even if it means parting with valuable draft capital. This potential move could significantly improve the Cowboys' chances of contending for a Super Bowl in the coming years.