How realistic is a Maxx Crosby trade for Cowboys?

Is a Maxx Crosby trade realistic for the Cowboys?

Crosby hasn't publicly requested a trade and recently downplayed the rumors in a recent interview with Jim Gray of Sirius XM's "Let's Go" podcast. 

"I don't really care what everybody else has to say," he said in a clip posted Feb. 12. "I used to a lot as a young guy. I really don't give a damn. People can have their own opinions. I know what's going on. I know my truth. I don't need to sit here and keep rehashing it to people who don't need to know what's going on."

Crosby, who turns 29 on Aug. 22, deflecting trade rumors doesn't change that he's wasting his prime in Vegas. 

During the 2025 season, the DE ranked second in the NFL in tackles for loss (28), behind Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (33), 2025 Defensive Player of the Year. Despite his outstanding play, Vegas finished 3-14. It marked the sixth time the Raiders have missed the playoffs in Crosby's seven seasons with the team. 

Crosby — who grew up in Colleyville, Texas, 31 minutes from Dallas — may welcome a return to the Lone Star State. The Cowboys went 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs last season, but they could be a rebound candidate if they acquired the DE. 

The Cowboys have the draft capital to make a Crosby trade more feasible. Dallas owns picks No. 12 and No. 20 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders may be interested in either of those selections. 

Cap space remains a question. Crosby is entering the second year of a three-year, $106.5M deal this upcoming season. Dallas, though, has reportedly cleared $66M in cap room after restructuring the deals of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and guard Tyler Smith. That should make enough room for the pass-rusher. 

It seems the Cowboys could be in a position to land Crosby. Considering that, the franchise should move quickly and make an aggressive push for the star defender.