As we look ahead to the 2026 NFL offseason, three teams are already shaping up as major players in the edge rusher market: the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions. Each franchise has its own reasons for targeting an impact pass rusher-and each has a compelling case to make a bold move.
Let’s start in Detroit, where the Lions’ pass rush has taken a noticeable step back. After banking on Al-Quadin Muhammad to be a reliable complement to Aidan Hutchinson, the results just haven’t held up.
Muhammad flashed early in the season, but over time, he’s looked more like the career backup he’s been for most of his NFL tenure. The lack of production opposite Hutchinson has left the Lions’ defense without the edge pressure it needs to disrupt top-tier offenses.
For a team that’s been knocking on the door of serious contention, that’s a problem that can’t be ignored heading into 2026.
Down in Dallas, the Cowboys are still reeling from the blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Losing a generational talent like Parsons is hard enough-but failing to adequately replace his production off the edge has only magnified the void.
There were whispers around the league that Dallas tried to land a pass rusher before the trade deadline, but nothing materialized. Now, with two first-round picks in hand for 2026, the Cowboys are well-positioned to be aggressive in their search for a game-changer.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, did manage to bolster its edge group by acquiring Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins. Phillips brings explosive upside, but with his contract set to expire in 2026, the Eagles may not be done adding firepower. Even if they re-sign Phillips, there’s a clear sense that this front office-led by the ever-aggressive Howie Roseman-isn’t going to pass up an opportunity to add a premier edge rusher if the right deal is on the table.
Enter Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher has become the name to watch. Crosby has been one of the league’s most consistent and disruptive forces off the edge, and while the Raiders have repeatedly shut down trade inquiries over the past two seasons, it’s fair to wonder how long that door stays closed. The franchise is heading toward another coaching change-potentially Crosby’s fourth in as many years-and after yet another disappointing season under first-year head coach Pete Carroll, the team appears headed for another rebuild.
Crosby, for his part, hasn’t publicly pushed for a trade. He’s remained loyal to the organization, and the Raiders have shown no desire to move him.
But loyalty can wear thin when the wins don’t come. Crosby has only experienced one winning season in seven years in Las Vegas.
If 2026 shapes up to be more of the same, it’s not hard to envision the veteran finally deciding he wants out-and if he does, the Raiders may feel compelled to honor that request, especially if it helps them stockpile much-needed draft capital.
Should Crosby hit the trade market, all three of these teams-Dallas, Detroit, and Philadelphia-would be in play.
The Cowboys may have the strongest hand. With two first-rounders in 2026 and a likely higher pick than either the Eagles or Lions, Dallas has the draft ammo to make a compelling offer. They’ve already been linked to Crosby in trade rumors, and given the hole left by Parsons, the fit makes a lot of sense.
The Lions, while not in the best cap shape for 2026, have plenty of motivation. If they fall short again in 2025, there will be pressure to go all-in and fix the pass rush. A pairing of Crosby and Hutchinson would instantly give Detroit one of the most fearsome duos in the league-and could be the missing piece in a Super Bowl push.
And then there’s Philadelphia. Roseman has never shied away from swinging big.
Just look at the buzz around his reported willingness to go all-in on a Myles Garrett deal. If Crosby becomes available, you can bet the Eagles will be making calls.
Whether it’s draft picks, players, or both, Philly has the flexibility and the front office creativity to get a deal done.
A trade package for Crosby would likely start with a first-round pick and escalate from there. That’s a steep price, but for a player of Crosby’s caliber-someone who can tilt the field every snap-it’s a price contenders will be willing to pay.
We’re still months away from the 2026 offseason, but the groundwork is already being laid. If Maxx Crosby becomes available, the race to land him could be one of the defining storylines of the year-and these three teams are already at the front of the line.