THE DREAM MAY BE REAL: Jerry Jones just opened the door to a franchise‑shaking move, giving Dallas Cowboys fans a reason to believe that a Maxx Crosby trade could be more than just wishful thinking as the 2026 offseason approaches.

In Wednesday’s end-of-season press conference, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones hinted at big plans, specifically regarding the team’s two first-round draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Jones’ comments have immediately fueled speculation about a blockbuster trade for a top-tier pass rusher.

“Don’t think we could do some trading with those two number ones,” Jones said, a statement interpreted as a willingness to leverage Dallas’ draft capital for immediate, high-impact talent. While he didn’t name specific targets, his phrasing left little doubt that aggressive moves are on the table.

Maxx Crosby has long been a name linked to trade speculation. The seven-year All-Pro pass rusher, who played his college football at Eastern Michigan, has 69.5 career sacks and 133 tackles for loss, the most in Raiders history, making him one of the league’s premier defensive playmakers.

Crosby’s situation in Las Vegas has become increasingly complex. He was shut down for the final two games of the 2025 season amid injury and roster questions, leaving the Raiders and fans to wonder about his long-term future. With Las Vegas entering a rebuild, his days there may be numbered.

The Cowboys already showed interest in Crosby prior to the trade deadline, but a deal never materialized. With Dallas now holding two first-round selections—one at No. 12 overall and another determined by playoff results—Jones is positioned to potentially make a significant move to bolster his defense.

If a trade were to happen, the Raiders would gain substantial draft capital. Assuming they select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, acquiring two additional first-round selections could allow them to add a pass rusher and a defensive back, accelerating their rebuild while parting with a star player.

For the Cowboys, Crosby’s arrival would be transformative. Pairing him with existing defensive stars like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark would create a fearsome front line capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks consistently. Dallas’ defense, particularly its pass rush, would reach a new level of dominance.

Crosby is known not just for his statistics but also for his game-changing presence. His combination of speed, power, and technical skill allows him to disrupt both the run and passing game. Dallas would immediately gain a player capable of altering the trajectory of games with individual effort.

Financial considerations will also play a role. Crosby, now entering his prime at 28, commands a significant salary, but Jones has shown a willingness to make big financial commitments to win now. Dallas has cap space flexibility, particularly with draft capital to balance long-term planning.

From a fan perspective, a Crosby acquisition would energize the Cowboys Kingdom. Beyond statistics, Crosby brings a reputation as a disruptive force and an established leader on defense. His presence could lift younger players and set a tone for a team that has long sought defensive identity.

While the Cowboys’ secondary remains a work in progress, the addition of Crosby could shift the defensive balance, forcing offenses to account for relentless pressure upfront. Quarterbacks forced to make hurried throws increase the likelihood of turnovers, giving Dallas’ secondary and linebackers additional opportunities to make plays.

The potential trade also underscores a broader NFL trend: contending teams increasingly leverage draft picks to acquire proven talent. While the draft is valuable for building for the future, established All-Pro players like Crosby can make an immediate difference, particularly in a division as competitive as the NFC East.

Historically, players of Crosby’s caliber rarely change teams mid-career. The potential for Dallas to secure a seven-year All-Pro pass rusher without surrendering core offensive assets could reshape the competitive landscape, signaling the team’s intent to compete at the highest level immediately.

Beyond the on-field impact, acquiring Crosby would send a message to the league: the Cowboys are willing to be aggressive in pursuit of a Super Bowl. The combination of draft capital, financial flexibility, and championship ambition positions Dallas uniquely to make a high-profile trade this offseason.

For Las Vegas, trading Crosby would provide an infusion of young talent and positional depth, potentially accelerating a rebuild that has been slowed by inconsistent quarterback play and roster gaps. With the first overall pick and additional first-round selections, the Raiders could retool strategically while parting with a player in peak form.

From an analytics perspective, Crosby ranks among the league leaders in pressures, quarterback hits, and sacks. Integrating a player of his caliber with Dallas’ current defensive framework could dramatically improve expected points allowed, third-down conversion prevention, and overall defensive efficiency metrics.

In conclusion, Jerry Jones’ recent comments have sparked serious speculation that the Maxx Crosby trade to Dallas is more than just a fantasy scenario. The Cowboys have the draft capital, cap space, and motivation to pursue one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushers.

If the deal comes to fruition, Dallas’ defensive front would instantly become one of the most formidable units in football, capable of altering games on its own. For Cowboys fans, the dream of acquiring Crosby may be closer to reality than ever before.

With the 2026 NFL offseason just beginning, the league will be watching closely. A blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby would not only reshape Dallas’ defense but could also signal a new era of aggressive roster-building strategies across the NFL.