Maxx Crosby’s Frustration Boils Over as Cowboys' Defensive Gamble Pays Off
The Dallas Cowboys made waves with their blockbuster trade for Quinnen Williams, and so far, it’s looking like a home run. But what’s flown under the radar is just how close Dallas may have come to landing another defensive star - Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
While it's unclear whether Jerry Jones inquired about Crosby before or after Williams, one thing is certain: the Raiders weren’t open to dealing their defensive cornerstone. In hindsight, that might’ve been a blessing for the Cowboys.
Because instead of adding a single edge rusher, they now boast arguably the deepest interior defensive line in football. And in today’s NFL, that kind of strength up the middle can be a game-changer.
That said, don’t be surprised if Jones circles back on Crosby this offseason. The Raiders’ season is spiraling, and Crosby’s patience might finally be wearing thin.
We saw a flash of that frustration on full display during Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. After Justin Herbert iced the game with a fourth-quarter first down, Crosby shoved the quarterback well after the whistle. It wasn’t a vicious hit, but it was unnecessary - the kind of moment that doesn’t usually come from a player with Crosby’s reputation.
And that’s what makes it so telling.
Crosby is known for his relentless motor and clean play. He’s one of the league’s most respected defensive leaders, a guy who gives 100% on every snap without stepping over the line.
But this shove? That was out of character.
It looked like the moment where years of losing, instability, and unmet expectations finally caught up to him.
The Raiders are 2-10. They’ve got the second-worst point differential in the league.
They haven’t won a playoff game since 2002 - a drought longer than nearly every team in the NFL. And despite Crosby’s All-Pro caliber play, the franchise continues to spin its wheels.
It’s not hard to imagine how exhausting that must be for a player like Crosby, who’s poured everything into turning the culture around in Vegas. He’s been loyal, vocal, and productive. But loyalty has its limits, especially when the losses keep piling up and the future remains murky.
Meanwhile, things in Dallas are trending in the opposite direction. Since the trade deadline, the Cowboys have rattled off three straight wins, and their defense - once the team’s biggest question mark - is starting to look like a strength.
With Quinnen Williams anchoring the middle, the Cowboys have built a unit that can pressure the quarterback without sacrificing run defense. It’s the kind of foundation that wins games in January.
Now imagine adding Crosby to that mix.
It’s a long way from now to the offseason, but if Crosby decides he’s had enough in Vegas, you can bet Jerry Jones will be ready to make the call. The Cowboys have already shown they’re willing to be aggressive when the right opportunity presents itself. And if Crosby becomes available, that would be more than just a splash - it could be the final piece to a championship-caliber defense.
For now, though, Crosby remains in silver and black, battling through another lost season. But if Sunday was any indication, the clock might be ticking on his time with the Raiders.