Cowboys Trade Rumors: Could Dallas Swap Osa Odighizuwa and a First-Round Pick for Maxx Crosby?

With only one regular-season game remaining and no postseason opportunities on the horizon, the Dallas Cowboys have already shifted their focus toward the future. The disappointment of the 2025 NFL season has accelerated offseason planning, and early signs suggest Dallas could be preparing for aggressive roster changes aimed at retooling the defense.

While the 2026 NFL Draft is still months away—scheduled to begin on April 23—league analysts and insiders are already speculating that the Cowboys could be one of the most active teams when draft weekend arrives. Among the boldest ideas gaining traction is a blockbuster trade proposal involving Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

Trade Proposal Gains Momentum: Osa Odighizuwa for Maxx Crosby

According to K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire, Dallas could revisit conversations with the Raiders centered around acquiring Crosby. Drummond proposed a trade framework that would send defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and a future first-round draft pick to Las Vegas in exchange for Crosby.

The concept is straightforward:

• Dallas uses surplus draft capital and interior defensive depth to replace the elite edge rusher it previously moved on from in Micah Parsons.

• Las Vegas receives multiple building blocks—both immediate help and future assets—aligned with a franchise reset.

Drummond first floated the idea on January 1, noting that circumstances surrounding Crosby and the Raiders have shifted significantly since the trade deadline.

“It appears there may be an option on the table to acquire a proven edge rusher, and one who fits Schottenheimer’s personality clause; the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby,” Drummond wrote. “Crosby’s relentless motor is well renown, and his dedication to wanting to be on the field every possible snap is only surpassed by the fact he’s an elite talent.”

Why Maxx Crosby Is Suddenly a Trade Candidate

For much of his career, Maxx Crosby has been viewed as untouchable in Las Vegas. A cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense, Crosby embodies toughness, leadership, and relentless effort. However, the conclusion of his 2025 season introduced unexpected tension between player and organization.

Crosby battled a lingering knee injury for most of the year, yet according to FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, he strongly disagreed with the Raiders’ decision to shut him down for the final two games. Crosby reportedly told Glazer that he had been playing hurt since Week 3 and felt fully capable of finishing the season.

That disagreement became public when Crosby left the Raiders’ facility after being informed he would not play again in 2025. Shortly thereafter, Las Vegas placed him on season-ending injured reserve. Crosby is now expected to undergo knee surgery during the offseason.

While none of this guarantees a trade request, the optics matter. The situation has fueled league-wide speculation that the Raiders—who appear to be entering a rebuild and positioning themselves for the No. 1 overall pick—may eventually listen to offers.

Why the Trade Makes Sense for the Cowboys

From Dallas’ perspective, the appeal is obvious.

The Cowboys have quietly assembled significant interior defensive line depth, particularly after adding Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. That depth has pushed Osa Odighizuwa—who signed a four-year, $80 million contract last spring—into a less prominent role.

Drummond argues that Odighizuwa is now Dallas’ third-best defensive tackle, making him a logical trade chip rather than a core piece.

“Odighizuwa was signed to a four-year deal this past spring, and is now the team’s third-best DT,” Drummond noted. “His upside is strong, and he’s a capable interior anchor for a team that is rebuilding like the Raiders.”

For Las Vegas, the trade would be appealing. In addition to Odighizuwa, the Raiders would receive a first-round pick (potentially No. 14 overall)—a valuable asset as they prepare to select a franchise quarterback with the top pick in the draft.

Financial Implications: Cap Space and Contract Flexibility

From a salary-cap standpoint, the trade is challenging but manageable.

• Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension in March 2025, keeping him under contract through the 2029 season with guarantees exceeding $90 million.

• His projected cap hit sits at $36 million in 2026 and $30 million in 2027.

Trading Odighizuwa would free up enough cap space for Dallas to absorb Crosby’s deal. Importantly, Crosby’s contract includes an out after the 2027 season, giving the Cowboys long-term flexibility if they decide to reassess.

Given Jerry Jones’ willingness to make bold financial moves—already demonstrated by the Quinnen Williams trade—the cap hurdles are far from prohibitive.

Pairing Maxx Crosby With Quinnen Williams: Defensive Nightmare

If the trade were to materialize, the Cowboys’ defensive front would instantly become one of the most feared units in the NFL.

Despite playing through injury in 2025, Crosby still delivered elite production:

• 73 total tackles

• 10 sacks

• 2 forced fumbles

• 1 interception (the first of his career)

Pairing Crosby on the edge with Quinnen Williams on the interior would give Dallas two of the most disruptive defensive linemen in football. Williams’ ability to collapse the pocket combined with Crosby’s relentless edge pressure would stress offenses on every snap.

The ripple effect would extend across the defense—reducing pressure on the secondary, creating more turnover opportunities, and allowing defensive schemes to be more aggressive.

A Franchise-Altering Move?

At this stage, the trade remains hypothetical. The Raiders may still view Crosby as untouchable, and Dallas may hesitate to part with premium draft capital. However, the logic behind the proposal is difficult to ignore.

The 2025 season was a letdown for the Cowboys, but the offseason offers a chance to reset. Acquiring Maxx Crosby would not only address one of Dallas’ biggest weaknesses—it would signal a renewed commitment to championship contention.

One thing is clear: if Crosby becomes available, Dallas will be watching closely.

For Cowboys fans, the message is simple—this offseason could define the franchise’s next era. And if Maxx Crosby ends up in silver and blue, it would be a move that reshapes expectations across the NFC.

Buckle up. The Cowboys may not be done making headlines.