The idea of Maxx Crosby in a Cowboys or Eagles uniform sounds like something concocted in a late-night sports talk show green room. And, well, it was. ESPN's "Get Up" crew floated the possibility, and it's certainly got people talking. But let's be real for a second. Is it even remotely feasible, or just pure fantasy?
Crosby is an absolute monster. In 2023, he led the NFL with 22 tackles for loss, adding 14.5 sacks and 94 total pressures. The man is a one-man wrecking crew, consistently demanding double teams and still finding ways to disrupt offenses. He signed a four-year, $98.98 million extension with the Raiders in March 2022, meaning he's under contract through the 2026 season. That deal included $53 million guaranteed. So, any team looking to acquire Crosby isn't just sending draft capital; they're also taking on a significant financial commitment.
Dallas absolutely needs more consistent edge pressure opposite Micah Parsons. DeMarcus Lawrence, while still solid, isn't getting younger. He had 4 sacks in 2023, a far cry from Crosby's output. Imagine Parsons and Crosby coming off the edges. Quarterbacks would be sleeping with one eye open. The Cowboys' defense was statistically good last year, ranking 5th in total defense, but they often struggled to close out games against elite offenses. Adding Crosby would elevate them from good to truly terrifying.
Here's the thing: The Cowboys have precious few high draft picks to spare after years of trading them away or using them on players who haven't panned out. They're also notoriously stingy when it comes to blockbuster trades for established stars, especially when it involves huge contracts. The last time they made a splash like that was for Amari Cooper in 2018, and even that was a first-round pick. A player of Crosby's caliber would command at least two firsts, maybe more, plus a Day 2 pick. That's a steep price for a team already trying to sign Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Parsons to extensions. My hot take? Jerry Jones wouldn't pull the trigger, even if the Raiders made him an offer. He'd rather try to find the next Crosby in the draft for a fraction of the cost.
The Eagles' situation is a bit different. Their defensive line is already stacked, at least on paper. Jalen Carter had a fantastic rookie year with 6 sacks, and Haason Reddick, before his trade to the Jets, consistently produced double-digit sacks. Josh Sweat had 6.5 sacks in 2023. But the Eagles are always looking to upgrade their trenches. They value defensive line depth and disruption more than almost any other team in the league. General Manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from making bold moves, whether it's trading for A.J. Brown or drafting multiple defensive linemen in the first round.
However, the Eagles just signed Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million deal this offseason. They also have Nolan Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, who they're hoping will develop into a consistent pass rusher. Adding Crosby, with his massive contract, would create a logjam and potentially financial headaches down the road. They'd have to shed some serious salary elsewhere, and their cap space isn't as free-flowing as it once was after extending Jalen Hurts for five years, $255 million.
Real talk: The Raiders aren't trading Crosby unless they get an offer they simply can't refuse. He's the heart and soul of that team, a true captain and culture setter. Antonio Pierce, the new head coach, isn't going to willingly part with his best player unless he's forced to. It would take a godfather offer – something like three first-round picks and a proven starter – for Las Vegas to even pick up the phone. Neither the Cowboys nor the Eagles have that kind of draft capital or the financial flexibility to make it work without completely gutting their future. Maxx Crosby will remain a Raider.