Cowboys Linked to Maxx Crosby Again, but Dallas Radio Hosts Say Trey Hendrickson Is the Smarter Move

The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to elite pass rushers since the NFL trade deadline, and one name continues to surface whenever defensive upgrades are discussed: Maxx Crosby. While the connection between Dallas and the Las Vegas Raiders star has lingered for months, not everyone believes trading for Crosby is the right move.

In fact, a pair of prominent Dallas radio hosts argue the Cowboys should take a completely different approach this offseason—one that strengthens the pass rush without sacrificing valuable draft capital.

Cowboys’ Defensive Line Search Isn’t Over

At the NFL trade deadline, the Cowboys made it clear they were serious about upgrading their roster for a championship push. That aggressiveness resulted in a significant move, as Dallas acquired Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets, bolstering the interior of their defensive line.

However, league insiders reported that Dallas also explored the possibility of trading for Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ relentless edge rusher and face of their defense. While no deal materialized at the time, those rumors never fully went away.

Now, with Crosby’s season ending amid reported tension between himself and the Raiders organization, speculation has resurfaced. Many believe Las Vegas could be open to listening to offers—and Dallas is once again being mentioned as a potential suitor.

But not everyone in Cowboys circles is on board.

Dallas Radio Hosts Push Back on Maxx Crosby Trade

On 105.3 The Fan, longtime Dallas radio personalities Shan Shariff and R.J. Choppy addressed the Cowboys’ need at defensive end—and made it clear they would pass on Crosby, despite acknowledging his elite status.

Their reasoning wasn’t about Crosby’s talent. Instead, it centered on cost.

“I’m not trading what it’s going to take to get Crosby here,” Shariff said. “Just go get Trey Hendrickson without giving up picks.”

That sentiment reflects a growing concern among Cowboys observers: acquiring Crosby would likely require multiple high draft picks, potentially including a first-rounder. For a team trying to balance short-term contention with long-term roster health, that price may be too steep.

Why Trey Hendrickson Makes More Sense for Dallas

Rather than trading for Crosby, Shariff and Choppy believe the Cowboys should pursue Trey Hendrickson, currently with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The key difference? Hendrickson is expected to be available in free agency, meaning Dallas could add a proven pass rusher without surrendering draft capital.

“I think we’ve forgotten that Hendrickson—correct me if I’m wrong—is just there and available,” Choppy said. “So give Hendrickson a two- or three-year deal. He’s not as good as Crosby, and he’s coming off an injury, but I’m not touching my first-round pick or draft capital.”

For Dallas, that distinction matters.

Age and Injury Concerns—But the Timing Fits

Hendrickson is 31 years old, and he is coming off a season shortened by a hip injury that landed him on injured reserve. On the surface, those factors might raise red flags.

However, Shariff and Choppy argue that context matters.

The Cowboys’ championship window is closely tied to Dak Prescott, who is also in his 30s. With Prescott under contract and the core of the roster aging, Dallas may realistically have a two-year window to make a serious Super Bowl run.

In that scenario, long-term upside becomes less important than immediate impact.

“If your window is right now, you get guys who can change games right now,” the hosts emphasized.

Hendrickson fits that profile.

Trey Hendrickson’s Proven Production

When healthy, Hendrickson has been one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL.

Despite playing only seven games this season, he still recorded four sacks before the hip injury sidelined him. More importantly, his recent track record speaks for itself:

• 17.5 sacks in 2024 (NFL leader)

• 17.5 sacks in 2023

• 61 total sacks over five seasons with the Bengals

That level of consistency is rare—and it’s exactly what Dallas needs opposite Micah Parsons to keep offenses from sliding protection in one direction.

Adding Hendrickson would immediately give the Cowboys one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in football.

Injury Could Lower His Market Value

One reason Hendrickson could be particularly appealing to Dallas is cost efficiency.

Because he ended the season on injured reserve, teams may hesitate to offer top-of-the-market contracts. That hesitation could work in the Cowboys’ favor, allowing them to sign an elite sack producer on a short-term, team-friendly deal.

For a front office that values flexibility and draft depth, this approach aligns far better than surrendering premium picks for Crosby.

Maxx Crosby: Elite Talent, Elite Price

There’s no denying Maxx Crosby’s impact. He’s one of the league’s most relentless defenders, capable of wrecking game plans on his own. But that level of dominance comes with a steep price.

Any trade for Crosby would likely require:

• Multiple high draft picks

• Significant salary cap commitment

• Potential roster restructuring

For a Cowboys team already investing heavily in stars like Prescott, Parsons, and Williams, such a move could limit flexibility elsewhere.

Shariff and Choppy’s argument isn’t anti-Crosby—it’s pro-balance.

Draft Capital Still Matters for Dallas

Dallas has historically built through the draft, and maintaining first-round picks has been a cornerstone of their roster strategy. Trading those picks for one player, even an elite one, carries risk—especially when free agency offers viable alternatives.

By signing Hendrickson instead, the Cowboys could:

• Preserve Round 1 draft capital

• Address other roster needs

• Maintain long-term flexibility

That strategy fits the Cowboys’ current roster construction philosophy far better than an all-in trade.

Final Verdict: Impact Now Without Sacrificing the Future

The Cowboys’ connection to Maxx Crosby isn’t going away anytime soon. As long as the Raiders’ situation remains uncertain, his name will continue to circulate in trade rumors.

But according to some of the most plugged-in voices in Dallas sports radio, Trey Hendrickson represents the smarter, more efficient solution.

He brings elite production, playoff experience, and immediate impact—without forcing the Cowboys to mortgage their future.

For a team staring directly at a narrow championship window, that balance might be exactly what Dallas needs.