Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes End, Offseason Begins: Could Maxx Crosby Be the Defensive Superstar Dallas Needs?

The Dallas Cowboys’ faint playoff hopes officially vanished last weekend, and the ending was as decisive as it was painful. The Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant win over the Washington Commanders clinched the NFC East title and mathematically eliminated Dallas from postseason contention. With the 2025 NFL season now in the books, attention in Dallas has shifted rapidly from scoreboard watching to offseason reconstruction—particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

For much of the year, the Cowboys’ defense struggled with consistency, explosiveness, and closing ability, issues that repeatedly undermined an otherwise competitive roster. Under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the unit showed flashes but ultimately became the team’s Achilles’ heel. Owner Jerry Jones has already signaled that standing pat is not an option.

That message came loud and clear with the blockbuster trade for Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets—one of the most aggressive defensive moves Dallas has made in years. But according to growing league chatter, another seismic addition may be possible if recent developments involving Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby continue to unfold.

Maxx Crosby Situation Sparks League-Wide Speculation

On Friday, FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer dropped a bombshell that immediately reverberated across the league. According to Glazer, Maxx Crosby left the Raiders’ team facility after being informed he would be shut down for the final two games of the season—not due to injury, but as part of Las Vegas’ broader draft strategy.

The Raiders are widely viewed as positioning themselves for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with a pivotal “loser gets the top pick” matchup looming against the New York Giants. From a front-office perspective, the decision makes sense. From Crosby’s perspective, it reportedly did not sit well at all.

Earlier in the week, Crosby left no ambiguity when asked about draft positioning:

“Yeah, I don’t give a sh** about the pick, to be honest,” Crosby said. “I don’t play for that. That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. Being a great leader, being an influence.”

Those comments perfectly encapsulate Crosby’s reputation: a relentless, high-motor competitor who treats every snap like a postseason moment. Being sidelined for strategic reasons—rather than health—cuts directly against his football identity.

Is a Rift Forming Between Crosby and the Raiders?

While no formal trade request has been made, Glazer noted that the situation “may lead to questions” about Crosby’s long-term future in Las Vegas. That alone is enough to spark serious speculation. Crosby is under contract through 2027, and the Raiders have consistently maintained he is a foundational piece of the franchise.

However, NFL history shows that relationships between elite players and rebuilding teams can sour quickly—especially when competitiveness and organizational direction are misaligned. If Crosby begins to feel that winning is no longer the priority, his stance on staying in Las Vegas could evolve.

And if it does, several contenders will line up immediately.

Why the Cowboys Are Perfectly Positioned to Strike

For the Dallas Cowboys, the timing could not be better.

Dallas reportedly inquired about Maxx Crosby ahead of the October trade deadline, but the Raiders shut those conversations down, and Crosby himself publicly expressed no interest in leaving at that time. Circumstances change, though—and so do perspectives.

The Cowboys are now firmly in offseason mode, armed with urgency, cap creativity, and something even more valuable: draft capital.

Thanks to the earlier Micah Parsons trade with the Green Bay Packers, Dallas holds two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the team surrendered its 2027 first-rounder in the Quinnen Williams deal, one of those 2026 firsts—potentially a high selection—could headline a compelling trade package.

Add in a second-round pick or a young rotational player, and Dallas would instantly become one of the most serious suitors if Crosby becomes available.

Maxx Crosby’s Impact: A Defensive Game-Changer

From a football standpoint, Maxx Crosby is exactly what the Cowboys’ defense is missing.

At just 27 years old, Crosby is already a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s most disruptive edge rushers. Over the last four seasons, he has recorded 44 sacks, consistently ranking among league leaders in pressures, quarterback hits, and snap counts.

What separates Crosby is not just production, but endurance and intensity. He plays virtually every snap, wins with power and technique, and sets the tone for an entire defense.

Pairing Crosby with Quinnen Williams would instantly give Dallas one of the most fearsome pass-rush combinations in football. Williams collapsing the pocket from the interior, Crosby terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge—it’s the kind of front that changes game plans before kickoff.

Within Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme, which thrives on disruption and pressure, Crosby’s presence would also free up opportunities for Micah Parsons to wreak havoc from multiple alignments. The ripple effect could transform the entire unit overnight.

Financial and Contract Considerations

Crosby’s contract runs through 2027, with cap hits that increase but remain manageable for a team willing to structure extensions creatively. For Jerry Jones, who has never shied away from big financial swings, the investment would be justified by immediate impact and long-term defensive stability.

Dallas has already shown it is willing to go all-in on defense. Adding Crosby would reinforce that philosophy and signal that the Cowboys are serious about contending again in 2026.

From Disappointment to Opportunity

There’s no sugarcoating it: the 2025 season was a disappointment for the Cowboys. Expectations were high, and the result fell short. But disappointment often breeds bold decisions—and Dallas is already proving that this offseason will be anything but passive.

If Maxx Crosby becomes available, the Cowboys have the assets, motivation, and vision to make a move that could reshape the NFC landscape.

For now, it remains hypothetical. The Raiders may still repair the relationship, and Crosby may ultimately remain in Las Vegas. But if even the slightest crack appears, Jerry Jones will be ready.

Cowboys fans have endured frustration—but hope is building. A reloaded defense, anchored by Maxx Crosby, could turn a lost season into the foundation of a legitimate Super Bowl push.

Cowboys Nation, buckle up. This offseason may just redefine the future.