Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Intensify as Dallas Cowboys Remain Top Suitor
The trade speculation surrounding Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby shows no signs of cooling down, with the Dallas Cowboys consistently emerging at the very center of these persistent rumors. While the Raiders organization has publicly insisted they plan to move forward with Crosby through the 2026 season, following a previously collapsed trade agreement with the Baltimore Ravens, this official stance has failed to convince many observers and insiders across the National Football League.
Cowboys Firmly Embedded in the Crosby Conversation
There is a compelling reason why Maxx Crosby's name keeps circling back to the Dallas Cowboys. The franchise addressed certain areas of their defense during the offseason, including the notable addition of Rashan Gary. However, the team still lacks a truly dominant, game-changing edge presence capable of shifting offensive game plans single-handedly. Crosby perfectly fits that elite mold. His on-field production speaks volumes, with an impressive 69.5 career sacks, consistent Pro Bowl recognition, and a well-earned reputation for generating relentless pressure that opposing offenses consistently struggle to contain.
Nevertheless, significant complications exist. Crosby underwent meniscus surgery following the conclusion of the last season, and this health concern played a pivotal role in the Baltimore Ravens ultimately backing out of their previously agreed trade. Medical evaluations will undoubtedly remain a critical factor in any serious future negotiations. Even with this hurdle, numerous league insiders continue to believe the Raiders' public display of confidence may not fully reflect their private, behind-the-scenes stance. The imminent timing of the NFL draft only adds more fuel to this speculative fire, as franchises reassess player value and transactional urgency.
Reduced Price Could Pave a Realistic Path to Dallas
Veteran Cowboys reporter Jon Machota has suggested the situation may be tilting in Dallas's favor, particularly if the Raiders' asking price experiences a notable drop. Speaking on the "One-Star Podcast," Machota outlined a plausible scenario where the Cowboys could engineer a deal structured around their No. 20 overall draft pick, rather than being forced to part with multiple premium assets.
"Them trading for Maxx Crosby, I would not completely rule that out at all," Machota stated. "It all comes down to what they think of him, medically, but I would not—especially now that the price has to have come down. And it makes no sense for the Raiders to publicly say everything that they have said, that they’re fine and everything’s great and they’re going to keep Maxx. I just don’t see a world where Maxx Crosby is on the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026."
He further elaborated, "Because of that, the only other team that’s come out with an actual offer that has been reported is the Dallas Cowboys. If now all the sudden they can get him at a reduced price for 20, pick 20 overall? I don’t think you can completely rule that out, with another late-round pick thrown in there."
The Dallas front office, led by owner Jerry Jones, has reportedly drawn a firm line at including both of their top draft selections in any potential package, and this position has not changed. A trade package centered on the No. 20 overall pick, possibly supplemented with mid or late-round additions, now feels considerably more realistic. For Jones, the appeal of such a blockbuster move extends beyond the gridiron. Acquiring a star of Crosby's caliber would effectively shift media and fan attention away from ongoing contract tensions surrounding players like George Pickens, refocusing the spotlight squarely on a defensive unit striving to reassert its dominance.
While the door to a trade is not yet wide open, it remains far from completely closed. In the world of the Dallas Cowboys, that lingering possibility is often more than enough to keep a compelling story very much alive and generating headlines.
