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Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Could Be Traded to Cowboys

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. star-maxx-crosby-could-be-traded-to-cowboys.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 11:13 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Nevada, Texas, UNITED STATES

Las Vegas, NV - February 11th, 2026 - The NFL offseason is already heating up with speculation swirling around potential player movement, and one trade proposal is dominating headlines: a possible deal sending Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN's Field Yates initially proposed the idea, and the discussion has quickly gained traction amongst fans and analysts alike.

This isn't just idle speculation. The confluence of factors - Crosby's contract situation, the Raiders' clear rebuild, and the Cowboys' perennial need for a dominant edge rusher - makes this a surprisingly plausible scenario. While any trade involving a player of Crosby's caliber is complex, the potential benefits for both franchises are significant, making it a trade to watch closely as the draft approaches.

Delving Deeper into the Proposed Trade

The original proposal, as outlined by Yates, centers around the Cowboys parting with a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a conditional 2027 third-round pick in exchange for Crosby. The condition on the third-rounder would likely be tied to Crosby's performance and/or the Cowboys reaching the playoffs. While the initial response was one of surprise, a deeper analysis suggests the compensation is relatively fair, given Crosby's talent and the current market for premium pass rushers. Recent trades for similar players have yielded comparable returns, and the conditional pick adds further value for the Raiders.

Why the Raiders Might Pull the Trigger The Raiders are undeniably in a rebuilding phase. After a disappointing 2023-2025 seasons, new ownership and a revamped coaching staff are prioritizing long-term success over immediate gratification. While losing a player like Crosby, a team captain and fan favorite, would be a difficult decision, the acquisition of multiple high-round draft picks aligns perfectly with their rebuilding strategy. Those picks would provide General Manager Dave Ziegler with the ammunition to address multiple roster needs, potentially drafting a quarterback to build around, bolstering the offensive line, and adding depth to the secondary.

Furthermore, Crosby is entering the final year of his contract, and a long-term extension would likely command a substantial salary. The Raiders may prefer to avoid committing significant resources to a veteran player when they are focused on building a team for the future. Trading him now maximizes his value and allows them to reinvest those resources into younger, potentially more affordable talent. This is a cold, hard business decision, prioritizing future assets over present production.

Dallas's Perspective: Filling a Critical Need The Dallas Cowboys, despite consistently being competitive, have struggled to consistently generate pressure off the edge. While they've invested in pass rushers in the past, they haven't had a true, dominant force since DeMarcus Lawrence's prime. Maxx Crosby would instantly change that. He's a relentless, high-motor player who consistently disrupts opposing offenses. He's a proven sack artist and run defender, and his presence would immediately elevate the Cowboys' defense, turning a good unit into an elite one.

The Cowboys are in a "win-now" mode, with a talented roster seemingly capable of making a deep playoff run. Adding a player of Crosby's caliber could be the missing piece to finally push them over the hump and contend for a Super Bowl. They have the draft capital to make the trade and are willing to spend to compete at the highest level.

Potential Roadblocks and Contract Concerns The biggest hurdle will likely be convincing Crosby to agree to a long-term contract extension with the Cowboys. While the Cowboys can certainly offer him a lucrative deal, Crosby might have a strong attachment to Las Vegas and the Raiders organization. Negotiating a suitable contract will be crucial for the trade to materialize. Any delays or complications in contract talks could quickly derail the entire process. The Raiders might also demand additional compensation if Crosby refuses to sign an extension before the trade, increasing the cost for Dallas.

Another potential issue could be the Raiders' willingness to part ways with such a beloved player. Public pressure from fans and the media could influence their decision-making process, even if the trade makes logical sense from a football perspective.

Looking Ahead: Will the Trade Happen?

As of today, February 11th, 2026, a trade is far from a done deal. However, the logic behind the proposal is sound, and both teams have clear motivations to explore the possibility. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations potentially unfold. Keep a close eye on contract discussions and any indications of progress or roadblocks from either franchise. This blockbuster trade could dramatically reshape the NFL landscape, and it's one that fans and analysts will be tracking with intense interest.