The NFL offseason often produces speculation, but few storylines carry the weight of a potential move involving one of the league’s premier defensive stars.
Trade chatter surrounding a $106.5 million All-Pro has quietly intensified, and multiple contenders are now being linked. One franchise in particular has re-emerged, keeping intrigue alive as uncertainty grows.
Dallas Cowboys Positioned As Serious Contender in Potential Maxx Crosby Blockbuster Trade Race
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s NFL coverage, insider Jeremy Fowler outlined several terms that could make sense if the Las Vegas Raiders decide to move Maxx Crosby.
Fowler explained, “I’ve got my list of teams that make sense… I have the Detroit Lions because he’s going to go to want to go to a winner. They need edge help.” He also pointed to other contenders, noting, “Baltimore Ravens desperately need pass rush help, Philadelphia Eagles… never shies away from a deal.”
Fowler added two more intriguing possibilities tied to draft capital and past interest. “Dallas Cowboys, L.A. Rams both have two first round picks. They’re armed with capital to maybe make this done,” he said, while also revealing Dallas previously explored a move.
“The Cowboys were trying to get in on Crosby [at] the trade deadline… Las Vegas wasn’t moving on them. So one to watch.” His comments reinforced why Dallas remains firmly in the conversation if the Raiders reconsider Crosby’s future.
Financially, any move would be massive. According to Spotrac, Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with $91.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $35.5 million.
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In 2026, he is set to earn a $30 million base salary while carrying a cap hit of $35.88 million. Those numbers highlight both his elite value and the complexity of any trade scenario. Crosby ranked second in PFSN’s NFL EDGE Impact Rankings with a score of 95.3.
Despite the noise, Crosby himself has avoided fueling speculation. Speaking to Jim Gray on the Let’s Go! podcast, the Raiders star made clear that his current priority is recovery following minor meniscus surgery in January.
“My focus has been on getting healthy because that’s all I can control right now,” Crosby said. “…If you have drama, if you have a losing season, they just try to throw gasoline on the fire and make things a certain way.”
His comments reflect a player aware of the rumors but unwilling to engage publicly. The timing of his rehab could also delay any movement, as he may not be medically cleared until after the new league year begins on March 11.
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Tension with the organization earlier in the season helped spark the current speculation. The Raiders shut Crosby down for the final two games, leading to frustration and raising questions about his long-term future.
However, the team has since hired Klint Kubiak as head coach, and communication between the two sides appears ongoing. With the Raiders also holding the No. 1 draft pick, internal changes could influence whether a trade truly materializes.
Ultimately, Crosby’s priorities remain simple and consistent. As he told Gray, “I have a lot of goals, but I do want to win. That’s all that matters ultimately… I just want to play football and be left the f— alone.”
Whether that pursuit of winning happens with the Raiders or elsewhere remains uncertain. For now, the Cowboys and several contenders remain firmly in the conversation, ensuring Crosby’s future will stay one of the offseason’s most closely watched storylines.
