Cowboys Urged to Pursue Blockbuster Trade for $106.5 Million Pass Rusher

Analyst believes Dallas should offer a hefty package to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:24pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, silver, and white, conveying the raw energy and power of a defensive play.A cubist illustration captures the intensity of a Dallas Cowboys pass rusher as they pursue the quarterback, reflecting the team's need to bolster their defensive front.Dallas Today

With their defense struggling mightily last season, one analyst believes the Dallas Cowboys should pursue a blockbuster trade to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. The proposed deal would send Dallas' first-round and third-round picks this year, plus an additional third-rounder in 2027, to the Raiders in exchange for Crosby, who is currently on a three-year, $106.5 million contract.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense was a major weakness in 2022, ranking last in PFSN's Defense Impact Metric after the departure of star linebacker Micah Parsons. Acquiring the 25-year-old Crosby, one of the league's premier edge rushers, could dramatically improve Dallas' pass rush and overall defensive performance as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

The proposed trade comes on the heels of the Baltimore Ravens' failed attempt to acquire Crosby, which fell through after he failed a physical. Analyst Ralph Vacchiano believes the Cowboys could capitalize on that situation and land Crosby for a slightly lower price than the two first-round picks the Ravens initially agreed to send. However, taking on Crosby's lucrative contract would be a significant investment for Dallas.

  • In April 2023, the Ravens agreed to trade for Maxx Crosby but the deal fell through after he failed a physical.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 25-year-old pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who is currently on a three-year, $106.5 million contract.

Micah Parsons

A star linebacker who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys before departing the team.

Trey Hendrickson

An edge rusher who the Baltimore Ravens signed in free agency after their trade for Maxx Crosby fell through.

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What they’re saying

“This is probably a very un-Jerry Jones-like move, but the Cowboys' defense is a mess, and they desperately need help with their pass rush. It would be costly, though not as costly as the two first-round picks the Ravens initially agreed to send to Vegas for Crosby before that trade fell apart.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Analyst

“Assuming Crosby's knee isn't ravaged, it's worth the risk for a team desperate to make a Super Bowl run, because adding Crosby would give the Cowboys one of the best defensive fronts in the league.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to evaluate Maxx Crosby's medical history and determine if the potential trade package is worth the risk of acquiring the star pass rusher and his lucrative contract.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' defense was a major weakness in 2022, and acquiring a premier pass rusher like Maxx Crosby could be a game-changing move to improve their chances of returning to the playoffs. However, the high cost of the proposed trade and Crosby's injury history make it a risky proposition for Dallas.