Cowboys, Commanders Predicted to Battle for $106 Million Future Hall of Fame Edge Rusher

April 13, 2026 — The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders are gearing up for a fierce competition, with both teams eyeing the same valuable asset this offseason: a $106 million, future Hall of Fame edge rusher. As both teams look to improve their pass rush heading into the 2026-27 NFL season, Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star pass rusher, is a name that’s causing waves across the league.

The Cowboys’ Need for a Pass Rush Upgrade

It’s no secret that the Cowboys struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks during the 2025-26 season. With only 35 sacks last year, the team’s pass rush was lackluster, and Dallas rarely put quarterbacks in uncomfortable positions, particularly in drop-back and shotgun scenarios. This has left Cowboys’ management with a clear need to improve in this area, especially as they continue to contend for a Super Bowl berth.

Crosby’s Star Power and the Battle for His Services

Maxx Crosby, a future Hall of Famer, would be the perfect solution for the Cowboys’ pass rush woes. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report identified Crosby as the ideal trade target for Dallas this offseason, but he also pointed out that the Washington Commanders are in a similar position, and both teams could battle for Crosby’s services in what could turn into one of the biggest transactions of the year.

The Raiders have been on the fence about Crosby’s future, despite his undeniable impact on the field. According to Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek, the team had no intention of trading Crosby at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. However, this stance changed quickly when Spytek initiated a trade to send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, that deal fell apart due to Crosby’s surgically repaired knee, which raised red flags for the Ravens’ front office.

Despite the trade’s collapse, the rumors surrounding Crosby’s potential departure from Las Vegas continue to swirl. The Raiders might still entertain offers for Crosby, though they may have to lower their asking price given the uncertainty surrounding his knee recovery. A first-round pick and a second-round pick could be enough to secure Crosby, a possibility that would be appealing to a team like Dallas, who are in need of a top-tier edge rusher.

Why the Cowboys Want Crosby

Crosby, 28, has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL in recent years. In the 2025-26 season, Crosby reached the 10-sack mark for the fourth time in his career, with 73 total tackles and two forced fumbles. His ability to create havoc in one-on-one situations makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his leadership and experience would provide an immediate boost to Dallas’ defensive front.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed that a trade for Crosby is still on the table, leaving the door open for a potential blockbuster deal. However, he also acknowledged that he doesn’t expect a deal to happen in the immediate future. Still, with Crosby’s proven success and Dallas’ urgent need to upgrade their pass rush, it’s clear that Jones and the Cowboys front office will be keeping an eye on the situation.

What It Will Take for Dallas to Land Crosby

While Crosby’s trade value is complicated by the uncertainty over his knee injury, it’s still likely that the Cowboys would need to offer a compelling package to pry him away from the Raiders. With Las Vegas in the early stages of a rebuild, a trade involving a first-round pick and potentially a second-round pick would be difficult to turn down, especially if the pick is from a team that is expected to draft early in the first round.

Dallas will have to weigh the potential risks associated with Crosby’s injury against the massive upside he offers on the field. The Cowboys have the talent and the resources to make a significant offer, but they will need to move fast before the Washington Commanders or another contender swoops in to snatch him away.

What Does Crosby Bring to the Cowboys?

If the Cowboys can secure Crosby, it would be a game-changing move for their defense. Crosby’s speed, power, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback would instantly make Dallas’ pass rush one of the most feared in the league. The addition of Crosby alongside the likes of Micah Parsons would give the Cowboys one of the most dynamic and intimidating defensive fronts in the NFL.

For Washington, acquiring Crosby could help them solidify a defense that already boasts some formidable pieces, making them a much more dangerous team in the NFC East. With both teams vying for his services, it’s clear that Crosby’s future will have a significant impact on the league in the coming months.

The Bottom Line: A Major Trade on the Horizon?

The Cowboys and Commanders are expected to battle it out for Maxx Crosby, a move that would undoubtedly change the landscape of the NFC. Crosby’s proven dominance on the field, combined with his leadership and potential Hall of Fame trajectory, makes him an invaluable asset for any team looking to contend for a Super Bowl in 2026.

For Dallas, adding Crosby could be the final piece to their defensive puzzle, and with Jerry Jones open to a potential trade, the Cowboys are in a strong position to make a big splash. However, the Raiders may not part with their star edge rusher without a hefty price tag, and only time will tell if the Cowboys or the Commanders can land the $106 million pass rusher to bolster their defenses. One thing’s for sure—this trade could be a major storyline to watch in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL season.