‘Tis the season for not only NFL offseason discourse, but also over-analysis of cryptic messaging related to it. Take Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, for example.
Crosby is at the center of NFL conversation. He’s the hottest name on the trade block because the five-time Pro Bowler is an elite talent at a position that doesn’t get traded often — outside of Micah Parsons a year ago, of course.
But like Parsons, there’s been a buildup toward what ultimately could be the end of Crosby’s time with the team that drafted him.
On Wednesday, social media even clattered about a video that Crosby posted of him listening to a Shaboozey song that has a lyric about being a Cowboy. While he was listening to it, Crosby zoomed in to show what appeared to be light-up stars plastered to a ceiling.
Cowboys
Cue the over-analysis.
For now, here’s what we know. The Cowboys have a pressing need at edge rusher. Crosby is one of the best in the game. Dallas has the ammunition, with two first-round draft picks, to get Crosby.
But will they? Here’s an argument for why they should, why they shouldn’t, and an overall takeaway.
The argument for acquiring Crosby
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones feels serious. Words are one thing — and yes, he’s spent a career as the team’s owner and general manager spewing many of them — but action is another. Earlier this week the Cowboys restructured contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and left guard Tyler Smith to get under the salary cap. The team is expecting to make more cap-saving moves in the near future.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and Raiders linebacker Jamin Davis puts pressure on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher / AP
The Cowboys aren’t opening up space because of a case of financial claustrophobia. Jones knows they need to fix the defense, and he’s said they need to do it with instant impact guys.
It doesn’t get much more instant than adding Crosby to the fold. Crosby has consistently had an impact in both the run and passing games. He had 10 sacks and a staggering 28 tackles for loss last season in 15 games played. He’s made the Pro Bowl each of the last five seasons.
The Cowboys also have a pressing need for someone who could play on the edge. Right now they have four players on the roster who could potentially do so: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marist Liufau, James Houston and Isaiah Land, who signed a futures contract. Ezeiruaku recently had hip surgery and could miss all of spring offseason work. Liufau is moving to outside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme.
The Cowboys also appear willing to let free agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney hit the market. Clowney was their leader in sacks last season.
Acquiring Crosby would not only be an instant upgrade at a major area of need, it would also prove that Jones and Co. are truly willing to bust the budget this offseason.
The argument against acquiring Crosby
The problem for the Cowboys: They have a lot of needs. And while they’re opening up cap space to be aggressive, Crosby still wouldn’t be cheap. He’s scheduled to have a cap hit of $35.7 million next season, according to Spotrac. The Raiders, reportedly, want two first-round picks for Crosby, and there’s no guarantee they’d help the next team with Crosby’s salary.
The Cowboys already have ambitions to gather more picks, especially on Day 2 of the draft. Currently they don’t have a pick in the second or third rounds. Trading one first-round pick and some change for Crosby would be well worth the price. Trading two and not picking until the fourth round? That would be a tough pill to swallow.
Crosby, while consistent and talented, is also going to be 29 years old when next season begins. He missed a combined seven games the last two seasons for ankle and knee injuries despite a very healthy first five seasons. Are the last two seasons anomalies or a sign of a trend?
That question is likely on the minds of any team executives considering trading for Crosby.
What the Cowboys should do
There’s definitely a reason the Cowboys are interested. Crosby is a star. He’s also a local product, graduating from nearby Colleyville Heritage. The Cowboys shouldn’t deplete all their interests on one player, however. They wanted to rebuild their defense from the inside out. After trading Parsons last year they indicated, adamantly, that a championship defense takes more than just an elite edge rusher.
The Cowboys have interest in a Crosby deal at the right price. They’re not one player away on defense. If they can swing a trade involving one of their first-round picks and a Day 2 selection next year, with a player potentially heading back to Las Vegas, then it’s something the Cowboys should absolutely do.
Including any more assets in an offer is a luxury the Cowboys probably can’t afford.
Twitter/X: @JoeJHoyt
Winfrey, 25, only appeared in one game with Dallas last season.
Cowboys insider Joseph Hoyt shares his thoughts on what makes Allen one of the NFL draft’s top linebacker prospects.
The first TOCA Social in the United States will open Friday at Grandscape in The Colony.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
