Cowboys eyeing a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby
The Dallas Cowboys are generating significant buzz in the NFL trade market as rumors swirl about a potential acquisition of star edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. With the trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys have reportedly reached out to the Raiders, signaling their intention to make a major move.
Potential impact of the trade
On the surface, acquiring Crosby seems like a strategic win for Dallas. The Cowboys have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. By bringing in one of the league’s premier pass rushers, they could not only address this glaring weakness but also invigorate the team’s morale and fanbase.
However, the critical question remains: What would it take to secure Crosby’s services?
The cost of acquiring Crosby
While the price tag for Crosby is unlikely to reach the heights of the deal that brought Micah Parsons to Dallas, it certainly won’t come cheap. At 26 years old, Crosby is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time second-team All-Pro. He has accumulated impressive statistics over his seven-year career, including 63.6 sacks, 153 quarterback hits, 115 tackles for loss, and 10 forced fumbles. This season alone, he has recorded four sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and nine QB hits through just seven games.
Given his pedigree, the Cowboys may need to part with at least one of their first-round picks in 2026, along with additional draft capital. This could include a third or fourth-round pick and possibly a late-round selection in the 2027 draft. In this scenario, the Cowboys would still retain a first-round pick from the Parsons trade, allowing them to maintain a significant portion of their draft capital for future endeavors.
Long-term financial implications
Crosby’s current contract, a three-year extension worth $106.5 million signed in March, poses additional challenges. With $91.5 million guaranteed, he was, at the time, the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, ensuring his presence in Las Vegas through the 2029 season. While this contract is less than Parsons’ deal, it still raises concerns about the Cowboys’ future financial flexibility, particularly regarding potential contracts for other key players like George Pickens.
As Pickens continues to develop, speculation suggests his next deal could hover around $30 million annually. The Cowboys would need to navigate these financial waters carefully, weighing the benefits of Crosby’s presence against the potential costs of retaining other pivotal players.
Possible strategies for managing the cap
The Cowboys could explore several strategies to manage their salary cap effectively. Options include restructuring Crosby’s contract, as they have done with other players in the past, converting portions of his salary into bonuses. They could also consider extending or franchising Pickens this offseason or even moving assets like Trevon Diggs to create additional cap space.
Regardless of the complexities involved, if the Cowboys are serious about making a statement and competing for a Super Bowl, they must weigh the potential benefits of acquiring Crosby against the numerous challenges that come with such a significant acquisition.
