🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS OFFSEASON STRATEGY: SHOULD DALLAS TRADE THE NO. 12 PICK FOR MAXX CROSBY? RICH EISEN WEIGHS IN 👇

The Dallas Cowboys have had a season to remember in 2025, even after trading away franchise legend Micah Parsons before the start of the year. Despite the major departure, the Cowboys turned in a surprisingly strong performance, largely due to the emergence of George Pickens as a dominant No. 2 wide receiver, complementing CeeDee Lamb. Pickens, who came over in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, quickly found his place within the Cowboys’ offense, helping elevate the team’s passing game to new heights.

Now, as the 2026 offseason approaches, the Cowboys’ front office has their eyes set on adding even more talent to solidify their championship aspirations. On his namesake show, NFL analyst Rich Eisen discussed how the Cowboys could take their roster to the next level by pursuing a trade for one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers—Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Rich Eisen’s Bold Take: Trading for Crosby to Bolster the Defense

Eisen suggested that Dallas could make a “home run” move by trading the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for Crosby, one of the most dominant defensive ends in the league. The Cowboys have already established a solid offensive foundation with the additions of Pickens and other key players, but their defense—particularly their pass rush—could use a game-changer like Crosby.

“Hey, George is in a great spot, man, where everybody’s looking at 88, maybe, and he’s doing his thing, and the run game’s working, and the tight end game’s working, and the offensive side of the ball, I am not worried about for the Dallas Cowboys. I’m happy with that,” Eisen said. “And if they’re able to take the 12th overall pick, and instead of using it on a young defender, get Maxx Crosby for it, right?”

Eisen’s enthusiasm is based on the Cowboys’ solid offensive play in 2025, which has been significantly boosted by their receiving corps and the effective contributions from the run game and tight end play. The team’s offense is in a good place, but the key for Dallas moving forward is bolstering their defense to compete with the best in the NFC. Eisen’s proposal of using the 12th overall pick for a proven star like Crosby, who would provide immediate help to their pass rush, is an intriguing idea.

Crosby’s Impact: A Game-Changer for the Cowboys Defense

Maxx Crosby is widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, and adding him to the Cowboys defense would immediately make them more formidable. At just 27 years old, Crosby is still in his prime and shows no signs of slowing down. Over his career, Crosby has averaged nearly 10 sacks per season and has been incredibly durable, playing nearly every defensive snap for the Raiders over the past few years.

Crosby’s addition to the Cowboys’ defensive line would immediately elevate the unit, which has seen flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Having a consistent force like Crosby on the edge would relieve some pressure on the interior of the line, allowing other pass rushers to thrive. Pairing Crosby with DeMarcus Lawrence, who remains a key leader on the Cowboys’ defense, could create one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in the league.

Eisen highlighted that Crosby’s potential impact could be significant for the Cowboys’ Super Bowl aspirations, particularly as they work to become contenders in the NFC. With the defense becoming a strength to match their offense, the Cowboys could be poised for a deep playoff run. The need for a top-tier pass rusher has been a constant theme in the Cowboys’ pursuit of a championship, and Crosby is exactly the type of player they need.

The Price for Crosby: Is It Worth It?

The primary hurdle for the Cowboys, however, is the cost of acquiring Crosby. With a massive $106.5 million contract extension already signed, Crosby’s price tag is significant. The Raiders are reportedly asking for a hefty package in return for the defensive end, including at least two first-round draft picks and potentially a player. While the Cowboys could certainly benefit from adding Crosby, they will need to decide whether the price is worth it.

Eisen acknowledged that trading the No. 12 overall pick for Crosby would be a steep cost but argued that it could be worth it, especially for a player of Crosby’s caliber. The price may seem high, but given Crosby’s impact and potential for continued dominance, the move could pay off in the long run.

“For an owner like Jerry Jones, who likes to make waves, trading a premium pick for Crosby would absolutely dominate news cycles,” Eisen added. Jones is known for making bold moves to improve the Cowboys, and this could be one of the most talked-about trades of the offseason.

However, the cost of trading away a first-round pick also raises questions about the Cowboys’ future. Dallas has made it clear that they want to build a team for the long term, so sacrificing a high-value pick for a veteran player could potentially hinder their ability to build depth in the future. For a team like the Cowboys, with strong long-term goals, this decision must be carefully considered.

Cowboys’ Path to Contention: A Potential Trade or Draft Focus?

The Cowboys’ strategy moving forward will likely revolve around their ability to balance both short-term success and long-term growth. With the No. 12 overall pick on the table, they have the opportunity to either add a young, high-potential player to their roster or trade for an established star like Crosby.

It seems that the Cowboys are leaning toward a more aggressive approach, and the idea of trading for Crosby could be one step toward solidifying their defense and creating a well-rounded roster capable of competing for a championship. However, there’s still a possibility that they’ll look to the draft to address their defensive needs, adding youth and depth to the roster without sacrificing future assets.

The waiting game continues as the Cowboys assess their options. With multiple teams in the mix for Crosby, the price could shift as negotiations progress. Dallas will need to act swiftly if they want to secure a deal that benefits both their current needs and future aspirations.

Conclusion: A Critical Offseason for the Cowboys

The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Dallas Cowboys. Whether they decide to trade for Maxx Crosby or focus on drafting young talent, the decisions they make in the coming weeks will play a significant role in determining the team’s future. If they can land Crosby, the Cowboys could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC next season. But if the price proves too high, they may have to look elsewhere to bolster their defense.

For now, the Cowboys remain in the mix for Crosby, and as the offseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Jerry Jones and the front office approach this crucial decision. The next few weeks will tell us whether this trade comes to fruition, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys are committed to improving their defense and building a team that can make a deep playoff run.