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Dallas Cowboys Rumors: What It Would Take to Land Maxx Crosby – And How George Pickens, Draft Picks, and a Veteran Safety Could Shape a Franchise-Defining Offseason

With the NFL entering its pre-combine lull before the event kicks off in Indianapolis, the rumor mill has erupted into full swing, placing the Dallas Cowboys at the center of some of the league’s boldest, wildest, and most intriguing offseason debates. Despite no official football activity occurring until March 23, speculation surrounding Dallas has intensified, fueled by roster needs, cap maneuvering, and the possibility of franchise-shifting trades.

One name sits above all others in these conversations: Maxx Crosby. The star pass rusher has been loosely connected to Dallas for weeks, and although no formal negotiations have taken place, the hypothetical cost — and the ripple effects — have become the talk of Cowboys Nation.

Is a Maxx Crosby Trade to Dallas Even Possible? Analysts Explore “Dream Scenario” Options

Bleacher Report’s Joe Moton ignited one of the offseason’s hottest debates with a massive feature titled “Dream Offseason Trade Scenario for Every NFL Team.” Within it, the Cowboys appear not once, not twice — but three times, primarily revolving around Crosby and the idea of Dallas undoing the sting of last year’s blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Crosby, coming off another dominant season and a fifth Pro Bowl selection, has previously expressed frustration with the Las Vegas Raiders. Although a coaching overhaul in Las Vegas may ease some tensions, his long-term future remains uncertain. Moton argues that if Crosby pushes for a move, Dallas would be one of the few teams capable of paying the steep price required.

According to the speculative proposal, the Cowboys could open trade discussions by offering one of their two first-round picks — either No. 12 or No. 20. The idea would be to structure a deal without surrendering their 2027 first-rounder, though that’s where the complication arises.

Raiders Reportedly Want a Micah Parsons-Level Package — Or More

In the same feature, Moton flips perspectives, suggesting that the Raiders would demand a return comparable to (or exceeding) the haul they used to acquire Parsons from Dallas:

• Two first-round picks

• Veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark

Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer previously hinted that Las Vegas believes Crosby could command more than the Parsons package due to his durability, leadership, and reputation as one of the most relentless motor-driven defenders in the league.

With Crosby now 28 and still playing at a high level, the Raiders would hold significant leverage in negotiations. Dallas, meanwhile, is weighing whether such a massive investment would be worth it when their roster also requires help in the secondary, defensive interior, and wide receiver room.

What Would a Crosby-Led Cowboys Defensive Line Look Like?

The theoretical pairing of Crosby with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark — both acquired via previous trades — forms one of the league’s most intimidating defensive fronts.

Moton argues the move would give Dallas:

• An elite, three-headed pass-rush unit

• The ability to mask a young secondary

• A way to reclaim defensive dominance after finishing dead last in points and passing yards allowed in 2025

For a Cowboys defense that collapsed after trading Parsons, adding Crosby could feel like closing a painful loop — finally replacing the star they let go and restoring a feared pass rush.

George Pickens: The Cowboys’ Biggest Trade Chip?

Another major piece of rumor chatter surrounds wide receiver George Pickens, whose future in Dallas remains unsettled as the franchise approaches the March 3 deadline to apply the franchise tag.

Pickens, acquired last year, became one of the league’s most explosive young receivers. But the Cowboys are navigating tight salary-cap space and considering shifting financial resources toward the defensive side of the ball.

In Joe Moton’s “dream scenario,” the Tennessee Titans emerge as potential suitors, prepared to trade a combination of second- and third-round picks to land Pickens. The Titans have $104.8 million in cap space and enough draft capital to make a meaningful offer.

If Dallas tags Pickens, a sign-and-trade becomes possible — much like the Packers did with Parsons before their blockbuster deal with Dallas.

The Cowboys May Slow-Play the Franchise Tag Decision

NFL insider Ryan Broaddus appeared on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan and indicated that the Cowboys are in no rush to finalize the tag.

Broaddus explained:

“I’m getting the feeling this tag thing might not get done anytime soon… There’s going to be no rush here. They’ll talk to him, see where things stand, and then use the tag if they must.”

This measured approach suggests Dallas is exploring all possible angles — including trades — before locking in Pickens’ 2026 salary.

Could Minkah Fitzpatrick Join the Cowboys? Veteran Safety on Trade Block

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams in February, releasing a series of veterans, including Tyreek Hill, as part of a massive roster reset. Multiple insiders report the Dolphins are now shopping Minkah Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowl safety who — despite being on the downside of his prime — would still represent a major upgrade for Dallas’ thin defensive backfield.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted that Miami has engaged multiple teams in trade conversations. The Detroit Lions and Cowboys immediately surfaced as potential suitors.

Sporting News writer Mike Moraitis believes Dallas makes perfect sense:

• They currently have one hole at safety

• Another could open if they move on from veteran Malik Hooker

• Fitzpatrick brings experience and schematic versatility

However, his contract makes him difficult to move unless Miami absorbs a portion of the salary — something insiders say they may be willing to do.

If Fitzpatrick is cut instead of traded, a bidding war would begin, but one likely far cheaper than his previous Pro Bowl valuations.

How All These Rumors Connect to One Another

The Cowboys’ offseason path hinges on three interconnected decisions:

1. Whether to pursue Maxx Crosby and pay a massive draft-capital price

2. Whether to trade, tag, or extend George Pickens

3. Whether to chase a veteran safety such as Fitzpatrick

Each choice impacts the others financially, structurally, and philosophically. Dallas could emerge from this offseason drastically improved on defense — or left juggling multiple holes if they elect not to act boldly.

Dallas Has Rare Flexibility — But No Room for Mistakes

Thanks to the Parsons trade, Dallas has multiple first-round picks. Thanks to Pickens’ pending tag decision, they have an elite offensive asset they could convert into defensive help. Thanks to Miami’s fire sale, they have a chance to add a veteran safety without sacrificing major draft capital.

The question is how aggressive Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer are ready to be.

A big splash could reshape Dallas into a contender again. A conservative approach could leave them in the middle of the pack.

Either way, the rumor mill has made one thing clear:

The Cowboys suddenly hold some of the most interesting cards in the entire NFL offseason — and what they do next may redefine the franchise for years to come.