Will the Dallas Cowboys trade for Maxx Crosby? Here’s what the pass rusher could cost

Reports came out Monday that the Las Vegas Raiders could trade defensive end Maxx Crosby as early as this week. And the Dallas Cowboys have him on their radar.

But how realistic would a trade be for Crosby? Would the Cowboys be willing to pay the price?

Will the Dallas Cowboys make a move for Maxx Crosby?

What once felt like speculative chatter has picked up traction following Dallas’ hiring of pass rush specialist Brandon “BT” Jordan, a longtime offseason trainer of Crosby’s. So if Dallas were to pull the trigger, what would Crosby actually cost?

Crosby’s situation with the Raiders has been complicated since late last season. He was shut down for the final two games due to a knee issue, a move tied to former head coach Pete Carroll. Crosby was visibly frustrated and has since been the subject of reports suggesting tension within the organization.

Crosby is currently on a three-year, $106.5 million extension and carries a cap hit of roughly $35.8 million in 2026. His 2027 base salary, $29 million, becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster early in the new league year.

Crosby is a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler still in his prime. That alone sets a high floor on compensation. However, at 29 and with a significant contract attached, league insiders have suggested he’s unlikely to command a two–first-round-pick haul.

A realistic starting framework could look like this:

• One first-round pick
• A Day 2 pick (second or third round)
• Or a first-rounder plus a young, controllable player

If multiple teams enter the bidding, the price could climb. But age and contract structure temper the ceiling compared to younger stars on rookie deals.

Financially, this is where things get tricky for Dallas. Absorbing Crosby’s cap number would require restructuring deals or moving salary elsewhere. The Cowboys would likely convert portions of his contract into signing bonus to lower the immediate hit.

The Cowboys finished near the bottom of the league in points allowed last season and recorded just 35 sacks despite ranking high in pressures. The defense created disruption but struggled to finish plays. Crosby’s relentless motor and production - 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss last season - would directly address that issue.

Brandon Jordan’s hiring as a pass rush consultant adds a personal layer to this story. Jordan has worked with Crosby since his rookie year. Their relationship is well documented, and Crosby publicly reacted enthusiastically to Jordan joining Dallas.

If the Raiders are open to moving Crosby, Dallas will have competition. But the Cowboys have both need and incentive to investigate the price. In the end, it will likely come down to a first-round pick plus additional assets. The financial hurdle is aggressive, but manageable. And the upside would be an immediate defensive transformation.

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