In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has orchestrated one of the most audacious trades in recent league history. As of January 31, 2026, the Cowboys have officially acquired superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a massive package valued at over $106 million, including high-value draft picks, young talent, and cap relief considerations. This blockbuster deal not only fills the gaping void left by Micah Parsons’ controversial departure last September but also signals Dallas’ all-in push for a Super Bowl run in the twilight of their current roster’s prime.
The trade details, confirmed by multiple sources close to the negotiations, break down as follows: The Raiders receive the Cowboys’ 2026 first-round draft pick (projected to be in the mid-to-late range based on Dallas’ playoff aspirations), a 2027 second-rounder, promising defensive tackle Mazi Smith (on a rookie deal worth approximately $12 million over the next two years), and veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis for added depth. The total haul’s estimated value—factoring in player contracts, future cap hits, and draft capital equivalency—clocks in at a staggering $106 million, making it one of the richest defender-for-defender swaps ever. In return, Dallas lands Crosby, the 28-year-old phenom who’s been the heart and soul of Vegas’ defense since entering the league in 2019.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline, who first floated this possibility in his offseason predictions, nailed it on the head. “The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to get rid of Micah Parsons was an all-time unforced error,” Kline wrote, “but it did leave Jerry Jones with more financial flexibility and extra draft capital. Why not target the next-best thing in Crosby, who can elevate Dallas’ subpar pass rush and whip a slumping defense into shape?” Crosby’s 2025 campaign was a masterclass in resilience: Despite the Raiders’ dismal season, he racked up 10.0 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and nearly 30 tackles for loss in just 15 games, earning his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. His production hasn’t dipped below double-digit sacks in three of the last four years, cementing his status as an elite disruptor.
Crosby’s tenure in Las Vegas had been marred by mounting frustration. The Raiders’ inability to build a consistent winner around him—culminating in a playoff drought and internal drama—reached a tipping point late in 2025. When the team placed him on injured reserve for the final two games despite his protests, Crosby reportedly stormed out of the facility, sparking widespread speculation about his future. FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer weighed in at the time, noting, “This situation could absolutely affect Crosby’s long-term commitment to the Raiders. He’s a competitor who wants to win now, and if things don’t change, a fresh start might be inevitable.”
That fresh start is now a reality. For the Cowboys, Crosby represents an immediate upgrade to a defense that struggled mightily post-Parsons. Dallas’ pass rush ranked in the bottom third of the league in 2025, and with aging stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb entering critical contract windows, Jones had to act decisively. “We’re building a contender, not rebuilding,” Jones declared in a press conference following the trade announcement. “Maxx is the kind of player who changes games, changes cultures. He’s hungry, he’s proven, and he’s ready to help us hoist that Lombardi Trophy.”
On the Raiders’ side, this trade provides much-needed assets for a franchise in flux. With Antonio Pierce still at the helm but under pressure to deliver results, the influx of draft picks allows Vegas to accelerate their rebuild around quarterback Aidan O’Connell or a potential high-profile draft selection. Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-rounder with untapped potential, bolsters their interior line, while Jourdan Lewis adds veteran savvy to a secondary in need of stability. It’s a bittersweet parting for Raiders fans, who watched Crosby evolve from a fourth-round gem into a franchise cornerstone, but the move aligns with GM Tom Telesco’s vision of sustainable success.
The NFL landscape just got a whole lot more intriguing. Will Crosby propel the Cowboys back to NFC dominance? Can the Raiders parlay this haul into a quick turnaround? One thing’s for sure: Jerry Jones isn’t done wheeling and dealing. Stay tuned as the offseason heats up—this is just the beginning of what promises to be a wild ride toward the 2026 season.
