In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL world, the Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of landing one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces: Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Sources close to the situation confirm that negotiations are in the final stages, with the Cowboys poised to acquire the 5-time Pro Bowler in a blockbuster trade that could reshape the franchise’s defense for years to come. This $106 million deal—referring to Crosby’s massive contract extension signed earlier this year—marks a bold move by owner Jerry Jones to rectify the controversial Micah Parsons trade and propel the Cowboys back into Super Bowl contention.
The Drama Unfolds: Crosby’s Growing Discontent in Vegas
The saga began when the Raiders made the controversial decision to shut down Crosby for the final two weeks of the 2025 season, ostensibly to protect their grip on the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Crosby, a pillar of loyalty for the Silver and Black since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019, has played through injuries all year and expressed vehement disagreement with the team’s strategy. According to Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer, Crosby “vehemently disagreed and has left the building,” sparking immediate speculation about his future in Las Vegas.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll downplayed the incident, stating, “He knows that he’s banged up. He said, ‘I’d like to get out of here,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, get out of here,’ so he took off.” However, Carroll’s assurances that this won’t impact Crosby’s long-term status with the team ring hollow amid mounting trade rumors. Insiders reveal that Crosby’s frustration stems from years of underachievement—despite his stellar individual performance, the Raiders have made just one playoff appearance in his seven seasons.
With Crosby’s outspoken nature and his deep ties to Texas—he attended Colleyville Heritage High School just outside Dallas—this move feels like destiny. Born in Michigan but relocating to the Lone Star State as a teenager, Crosby has often spoken fondly of the area, making a homecoming to the Cowboys a poetic fit.
The Trade Details: What Dallas Is Giving Up—and Gaining
Confirmed reports indicate that the Cowboys are preparing a hefty package to pry Crosby away from the Raiders. Leveraging the draft capital acquired from the August trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Dallas is set to offer their own 2026 first-round pick along with the Packers’ 2026 first-rounder. To sweeten the deal, additional mid-round picks in 2027 are expected to be included, potentially with a third-rounder coming back to Dallas as per proposals floated by sites like FanDuel.
Financially, the Cowboys are well-equipped to absorb Crosby’s contract. Signed to a three-year, $106 million extension in March 2025—one of the richest for a defensive player—Crosby’s deal includes significant guarantees but aligns with Dallas’ cap situation post-Parsons. The trade would essentially be a wash in 2026 cap terms, allowing the Cowboys to integrate him seamlessly alongside recent acquisition Quinnen Williams, whom they traded for using a 2027 first-rounder.
This isn’t just speculation anymore. Local Dallas media is buzzing with excitement. Zak Wolchuk of 105.3 The Fan tweeted, “Do the Cowboys draft this year or do they just go get Crosby?” Veteran reporter Mike Fisher declared, “Let the Maxx Crosby to #Cowboys trade rumors (responsible or otherwise) begin!” Meanwhile, Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News posed the question, “Two firsts who says no?” Even FanDuel has mocked up the trade, asking, “MAXX CROSBY ON THE COWBOYS?? Should the Raiders and Cowboys make this deal in the offseason to send him to Dallas?”
Why This Is a Game-Changer for the Cowboys
Losing Micah Parsons was a gut punch for Cowboys fans, but Jerry Jones has always played the long game. Acquiring Crosby, a relentless pass-rusher with 68.5 career sacks, 5 Pro Bowl nods, and a reputation for playing through pain, would instantly elevate Dallas’ defense. Paired with Williams in the interior, Crosby could form a nightmare front for opposing quarterbacks, addressing the pass-rush void left by Parsons.
Critics questioned Jones’ decision to trade Parsons, but this potential coup proves his vision. With two extra first-round picks from the Packers deal, Dallas has the ammunition to make splash moves without mortgaging the future entirely. If finalized, this trade could be the catalyst for a deep playoff run in 2026, silencing doubters and reigniting the Star’s shine.
Raiders’ Perspective: Time to Rebuild?
For the Raiders, trading Crosby would signal a full commitment to rebuilding around the No. 1 draft pick—potentially a franchise quarterback like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Crosby has been a cornerstone, but at 28 years old and with the team mired in mediocrity, a fresh start might benefit both sides. Despite Carroll’s denials, the incident has cracked open the door, and Jones is ready to barge through.
As one source told us, “It’s not if, but when. The pieces are aligning, and Jerry won’t let this opportunity slip.”
Stay tuned—Crosby’s arrival in Dallas is no longer a rumor; it’s on the brink of reality. The NFL offseason just got a whole lot more explosive!
