The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2026 offseason with a rare kind of leverage: two first-round picks in their back pocket and a roster that’s still built to contend. That’s a powerful combination. But instead of simply stockpiling young talent, Dallas might want to think bigger-think Maxx Crosby big.
Crosby, one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the NFL, is at the center of growing uncertainty in Las Vegas. And while the Raiders’ new head coach Klint Kubiak made it clear in his introductory press conference that he wants Crosby to be part of the team’s future, the situation isn’t nearly that simple.
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward, no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL. It’s a no-brainer,” Kubiak said.
It’s a strong public stance-and the kind of thing you expect any coach to say about a player of Crosby’s caliber. But when it comes to roster decisions, especially with a new regime in place, what’s said at the podium doesn’t always reflect what’s happening behind the scenes. And right now, there are enough signs pointing to a potential fracture between Crosby and the Raiders to make this more than just offseason noise.
Start with the optics. Crosby wasn’t present at Kubiak’s press conference, even though the two reportedly shared coffee earlier that morning.
That absence might not mean much on its own-other players, like Brock Bowers, also skipped the event-but context matters. Crosby did attend the introductory pressers for Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.
If nothing else, it raises eyebrows.
Then there’s the report from Jason La Canfora, citing an anonymous GM who claims Crosby told Raiders minority owner Tom Brady that he’d rather retire than play another down for the team. That’s a bombshell if true. And while it’s always wise to take anonymous quotes with a grain of salt, the fact that this kind of chatter is even surfacing says a lot about where things stand.
Of course, this could still be a leverage play. We’ve seen this before-Myles Garrett reportedly took a similar stance with the Browns last offseason before signing a monster extension.
But the tone around Crosby feels different. This doesn’t feel like standard contract posturing.
This feels like a star player who might be ready for a fresh start.
And that’s where the Cowboys come in.
Dallas doesn’t have a ton of cap room to throw around, but they do have the flexibility to make a move like this work. More importantly, they have a real window to capitalize on.
Dak Prescott will turn 33 this season. While his cerebral style of play should age well, these next couple of seasons might be his last true shot at playing at an MVP level.
That puts pressure on the front office to maximize every opportunity.
Yes, using both first-round picks to draft young, cost-controlled talent is appealing. But adding a proven difference-maker like Crosby-someone who can shift the tone of a defense overnight-is the kind of swing that can elevate a team from playoff regular to true Super Bowl threat.
Crosby isn't just a pass rusher. He’s a tone-setter.
A relentless, high-motor force who can wreck a game plan and demand double teams on every snap. Pair him with Micah Parsons, and suddenly you’re looking at one of the most terrifying edge duos in football.
That’s not just a boost to the defense-it’s a full-blown identity shift.
The Cowboys' current defensive front has talent, but it’s lacked that consistent, game-wrecking presence opposite Parsons. Crosby changes that calculus. He’s a plug-and-play Pro Bowler who raises both the floor and ceiling of Dan Quinn’s-or whoever takes over the defense-unit.
There’s risk, of course. Giving up a first-rounder and a Day 2 or 3 pick is a significant investment.
But in today’s NFL, elite edge rushers don’t hit the market often. When they do, you have to be ready to pounce.
Dallas has the capital. They have the urgency.
And they have the need.
If Crosby truly wants out-and if the Raiders are even remotely open to listening-Jerry Jones should be on the phone yesterday.
This is the kind of move that signals you're all-in. The kind of move that says you're not just hoping to contend-you’re planning to win.