The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move last offseason, trading away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. And while the offense has held its own, the defense has clearly felt the absence of one of the league’s premier disruptors. Now, there might be an intriguing opportunity to fill that void - and it comes in the form of another elite edge rusher: Maxx Crosby.
Crosby, the relentless motor behind the Las Vegas Raiders’ pass rush, has reportedly shown signs of discontent in Vegas. If he hits the trade market, expect a frenzy. There aren’t many defenders in the league who can wreck a game the way Crosby can, and teams in need of a defensive spark - like Dallas - would be lining up.
According to projections, it could take a first-round pick and a second-rounder to pry Crosby away. That’s a steep price, but for a player of his caliber, it’s not out of line.
Just look at what the Cowboys got for Parsons - two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark from Green Bay. Parsons was 26 at the time.
Crosby will be entering his age-29 season in 2026. So while the return might not match the Parsons deal exactly, it’s still going to be significant.
Crosby’s contract situation makes things even more interesting. He’s signed through 2029, but only $30 million of that is guaranteed - and that number hits in 2026.
For any team looking to trade for him, that opens the door for a potential extension. It’s a manageable financial commitment for a player who’s still producing at an elite level and could anchor a defense for years to come.
For Dallas, this wouldn’t just be about making a splash - it’s about addressing a real need. The offense is in a good place.
Dak Prescott has weapons, the line has held up, and the Cowboys have shown they can put points on the board. But defensively, they’ve taken a step back since Parsons’ departure.
Adding Crosby would give them a proven force off the edge, someone who commands double-teams and still finds ways to impact the game.
And yes, there’s a bit of poetic symmetry here. Trading for Crosby less than a year after moving on from Parsons would be a full-circle moment.
But sentimentality aside, this is about football. If Dallas wants to stay in the playoff mix - and make a real run - bolstering the defense is non-negotiable.
Crosby isn’t just a name; he’s a game-changer.
The Cowboys have the assets to make a deal happen. The question is whether they’re ready to commit to Crosby in a way they weren’t with Parsons. If they are, the move could reshape the identity of their defense - and maybe their postseason fortunes.