The NFL offseason hasn’t even hit full stride yet, but the trade rumor mill is already heating up-and this one’s a head-turner. There’s growing buzz around the idea of the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys linking up for a blockbuster deal involving none other than Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s most relentless edge rushers.
Let’s unpack what’s driving this potential move, and why it actually makes a lot of sense for both sides.
Maxx Crosby’s Future in Vegas? Cloudy at Best
Crosby has been the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense for years, but the relationship between player and franchise appears to be nearing a breaking point. Despite his consistent production-10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 15 games this past season, plus a fifth straight Pro Bowl selection-the Raiders haven’t been able to build a winning team around him. And it’s starting to show.
Frustration reportedly boiled over late in the 2025 season when the team placed Crosby on season-ending injured reserve for the final two games. That move didn’t sit well with the All-Pro pass rusher, who was said to have stormed out of the facility afterward. While no one’s gone on record to say the relationship is fractured beyond repair, there’s a growing sense that a fresh start might be what’s best for both Crosby and the Raiders.
Why Dallas Makes Sense
Enter the Dallas Cowboys, a team that now finds itself with a rare combination of financial flexibility and draft capital after their surprising decision to trade Micah Parsons back in September 2025. That move shocked fans and analysts alike, but it’s left the Cowboys with the kind of resources that could make a Crosby deal not just feasible, but appealing.
From a football standpoint, the fit is obvious. Dallas’s defense took a noticeable step back without Parsons wreaking havoc off the edge.
Adding Crosby would instantly bring back that disruptive presence. He’s not just a sack artist-he’s a tone-setter, a relentless motor who lives in opposing backfields.
In 2025 alone, he racked up nearly 30 tackles for loss, showing he’s just as effective in run defense as he is getting after quarterbacks.
If the Cowboys want to stay in the Super Bowl conversation as their roster ages, this is the kind of bold move that could pay off in a big way.
What a Deal Could Look Like
The Cowboys have the assets to get this done. Between the picks acquired in the Parsons trade and a few movable pieces on the roster, Dallas could put together a compelling package without gutting the core of their team. And for the Raiders, it’s a chance to reset-get younger, stockpile draft picks, and begin building around a new defensive identity.
Of course, nothing’s official yet. But this is more than just smoke. There’s real logic behind the idea of Crosby donning a star on his helmet next season.
Bottom Line
Maxx Crosby is still playing at an elite level, but his time in Las Vegas may be nearing its end. If the Raiders decide to move on, Dallas is one of the few teams that not only needs a player like Crosby, but actually has the means to go get him.
And if the Cowboys are serious about making a Super Bowl push while the window is still open, this is the kind of swing-for-the-fences move that could change everything.