How a Maxx Crosby-Cowboys Trade Could Come to Fruition

During the offseason, trade rumors circulated around the Dallas Cowboys as they reportedly had their sights set on Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby.

Dallas made a competitive offer, but were outbid by the Baltimore Ravens who agreed to send two first-round picks to Vegas in exchange for Crosby. The trade was nullified when Crosby failed his physical due to a knee injury, but the Cowboys already moved on and added Rashan Gary.

Las Vegas decided to patch things up with Crosby, who has since been cleared and is practicing. While they say they want Crosby to be part of their future, the speculation continues regarding his future. One analyst who still thinks Crosby could be traded is Mike Florio, although he doesn't think a trade will happen before the season.

Of course, in this scenario, the Cowboys would need to be a competent team in need of one playmaker to push them over the top. If they're not contending, such a move would make very little sense,

When could Maxx Crosby be traded?

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby speaks during a news conference during organized team activities. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Florio believes the Raiders will go into the 2026 season with Crosby, but says they're a team to keep an eye on during the year. He believes they could decide to send Crosby to a contender if they struggle to start the season.

"Not necessarily before the season, but once the season starts, if the Raiders struggle. Because they've already stretched the rubber band to the point of trading him. And that was at a time when people were concerned about the health of his knee. He's cleared. He's back. Now, whether he's got five more years in that knee is a different issue. But, if they aren't playing well and they understand that Maxx Crosby isn't going to be part of the long-term solution and they could get value for him."

Florio said he's keeping an eye on the Tuesday after Week 9, which is the NFL trade deadline. That's where he sees the Cowboys making a move, especially after they expressed a desire to give up future assets to win now.

"I can see a team like the Cowboys. They've already talked about giving up future assets to improve their defense. And there was talk that they were thinking about making a play for Maxx Crosby back in March when the Ravens did. It would not surprise me if the Cowboys contend, the Raiders don't, Crosby gets traded to Dallas."

Maxx Crosby had a recent dustup during practice

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby stretches during organized team activities. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Crosby was in the news for another reason lately, as he and quarterback Kirk Cousins got into a "scuffle" during Raiders practice.

Cousins took exception to Crosby's physical play, which led to an altercation. While it was reported that no punches were thrown, both players were held out of practice for one day. Crosby plays with a relentless motor, which is part of what helps him succeed on game day, but in this instance, it drew the ire of the team's veteran quarterback.

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