Cowboys Urged to Trade First-Round Pick for All-Pro Pass Rusher Maxx Crosby

After the Dallas Cowboys traded away superstar Micah Parsons, the team found themselves struggling to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As the 2026 offseason approaches, addressing this pass-rushing void is at the top of the Cowboys’ to-do list. While the team could look to free agency to solve their pass-rushing needs, the 2026 NFL draft offers the potential for adding a future starter. But what if they didn’t need to rely on a rookie to fill that gap?

Instead, Dallas is being urged to use one of their two first-round picks — ideally, the 20th overall selection — to trade for an All-Pro pass rusher in Maxx Crosby. According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, Crosby is reportedly ready to move on from the Las Vegas Raiders, making him an intriguing target for the Cowboys as they look to strengthen their defense for the 2026 season.

Maxx Crosby’s Potential Trade: What Could He Bring to the Cowboys?

Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the Raiders, has been a standout player in the league for several seasons. With 2025 being another solid year for him, it’s no surprise that teams are interested in acquiring the pass rusher. Glazer shared some revealing insights during a guest appearance on Yahoo Sports Daily, discussing Crosby’s value on the trade market.

“Probably more than Micah. So the day it happened, no less than 20 teams called me and asked, dude, is this real? Can we get him? What’s it for? I’m like, God, we’re not there yet, but yes, it’s real,” Glazer said, referring to the enormous interest in Crosby’s potential availability.

While Las Vegas is reportedly not actively seeking to trade Crosby, the 26-year-old defensive end is reportedly not keen on sticking around through another rebuild with the Raiders. If a trade were to materialize, it could cost a hefty price, possibly even more than the Cowboys’ trade of Parsons in the past. If Glazer’s assessment is accurate, a trade for Crosby could involve multiple high-value assets, which would certainly raise the stakes for Dallas.

Should the Cowboys Pursue Crosby Over Parsons?

If Crosby’s trade value really does exceed that of Parsons, it begs the question: should the Cowboys get involved in a bidding war for the elite pass rusher? After all, when the Cowboys traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, they received two first-round picks, one of which was sent to the New York Jets in a separate deal for Quinnen Williams. With the Cowboys’ defense already needing several upgrades, trading more than one first-round pick might not be in their best interest.

However, if the Cowboys can acquire Crosby for the 20th overall pick in the upcoming draft, it would be a move worth making. Not only would Crosby immediately bolster Dallas’ pass rush, but it would also give the Cowboys an intriguing narrative: that they won the Parsons trade by essentially turning Parsons — along with a second-round pick — into a top-tier defensive tackle in Williams and one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers in Crosby.

Crosby’s Impact on the Cowboys Defense

Maxx Crosby’s addition to the Cowboys’ defense would be a significant upgrade. As a dominant pass rusher, Crosby can be the force that Dallas needs to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks. In 2025, Crosby racked up 14.5 sacks and 32 quarterback pressures, making him one of the most feared edge rushers in the league. His ability to generate pressure from the outside would complement the Cowboys’ defensive line and give the team the ability to create havoc in the pocket.

The Cowboys already have a strong defense, but the lack of a consistent pass-rushing threat has hindered them in recent seasons. Adding Crosby to a unit that includes stars like Micah Parsons (who will still be a key part of the defense despite his trade), Leighton Vander Esch, and Trevon Diggs would create one of the most dangerous defenses in the league. With Crosby’s relentless motor and ability to change the course of a game, he could elevate the Cowboys to true Super Bowl contender status in 2026.

The Case Against Overpaying for Crosby

While Crosby would undoubtedly be a great fit for Dallas, the team also faces the risk of overpaying for a player who might not single-handedly transform their defense. A trade for Crosby could cost the Cowboys the 20th overall pick in the first round, which could otherwise be used to add a high-impact rookie to the roster. With the team’s cap situation, using multiple first-round picks for a veteran player could limit the Cowboys’ ability to make other key acquisitions, especially when their salary cap is already tight.

Moreover, as much as Crosby could improve the pass rush, there are still other areas on the defense — such as linebacker depth and secondary improvements — that will need attention if the Cowboys hope to make a deep playoff run in 2026. Investing heavily in a pass rusher might not solve all of Dallas’ defensive issues, and there’s always the chance that Crosby’s production could decline as he ages.

Conclusion: Should the Cowboys Make the Move for Crosby?

The idea of trading for Maxx Crosby has generated plenty of buzz in Cowboys circles, and for good reason. Crosby’s ability to immediately improve the Cowboys’ pass rush makes him an appealing target. However, the trade would come at a high price, potentially costing the Cowboys a significant draft pick and limiting their flexibility in the future. If the Cowboys can get Crosby for the 20th overall pick and avoid overpaying, this trade could be a huge win.

Ultimately, the Cowboys need to weigh the long-term benefits of adding Crosby against the potential impact of holding onto their draft assets and pursuing other upgrades. If they can land Crosby without mortgaging their future, it could be the move that finally pushes the Cowboys’ defense to the elite level it needs to be at in order to compete for championships.

As the offseason unfolds, Cowboys fans will be eagerly watching to see if their team makes a bold move to solve their pass-rushing woes, and if Maxx Crosby will be wearing a star on his helmet next season.