NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys linked to $20 Million massive Las Vegas Raiders deal as Jerry Jones eyes defensive upgrade | NFL News
The Dallas Cowboys are once again being linked to a major defensive swing, with trade chatter around Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby picking up steam ahead of the 2026 season. Crosby, who carries a massive contract and remains one of the NFL’s most disruptive edge defenders.Crosby has reportedly stayed on Jerry Jones’ radar after Dallas previously explored a blockbuster move. While no deal is close, insiders believe any future trade would likely cost premium draft capital along with a significant financial commitment.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Maxx Crosby |
| Current Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Rumored Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| Contract Status | Multi-year deal |
| Salary Cap Hit | High-value veteran contract |
| Trade Likelihood | Moderate if Raiders struggle |
| Latest Insider Update | ESPN’s Dan Graziano says in-season trade remains possible |
| Potential Return | Draft picks and premium assets |
Which teams are interested in Maxx Crosby?
Dallas is not the only team monitoring Crosby’s situation, but the Cowboys continue to stand out because of their earlier attempts to acquire him. Jerry Jones has never been shy about chasing star talent, especially when he believes the roster is close to contending. That aggressive approach is why league executives still connect Dallas to Crosby months after negotiations cooled.The Cowboys’ interest also makes football sense. Dallas already has proven pass rushers, but adding Crosby would give the defense another elite edge presence capable of changing games late in the season. Injuries exposed the unit at times last year, and the front office knows depth matters in January.Several other franchises have also been mentioned as possible landing spots. The Buffalo Bills could pursue another impact defender if they remain in the AFC title picture. The Chicago Bears have cap flexibility and continue building around a young core. The New England Patriots are another team being watched because of their long-term defensive focus.
What insiders are saying about the trade rumors
ESPN insider Dan Graziano believes the possibility of a Crosby trade is still alive even if nothing develops immediately.“Crosby might stick with the Raiders all year at this point, but if he’s going to get traded at all, we’re probably looking at something in-season ahead of the deadline,” Graziano said.He also identified the Cowboys among the teams worth watching if the Raiders struggle.“If a team such as the Cowboys, Bills, Bears or Patriots finds itself in contention and in need of an impact pass rusher, things could get interesting here again,” he added.Those comments matter because league insiders generally expect Las Vegas to keep Crosby unless the season starts going sideways. A poor first half could force the Raiders to think more seriously about future assets and roster direction.
Contract details and salary cap implications
Any Crosby trade would come with major financial considerations. He remains tied to a high-end veteran contract that would require careful cap planning from an acquiring team. Dallas has historically pushed money into future seasons when chasing immediate contention windows, so restructuring deals would not be surprising.There is no indication Crosby is pushing for an exit, and there have been no reports of a no-trade clause blocking potential discussions. Still, the financial package alone limits the number of realistic suitors.For Dallas, the challenge would be balancing another expensive star contract while still preparing for future extensions elsewhere on the roster.
How the trade could impact both teams
If the Cowboys somehow land Crosby, their defense instantly becomes one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushing groups. Opposing offenses would struggle to focus protection on a single edge rusher, and Dallas would strengthen its Super Bowl hopes in the process.For the Raiders, moving Crosby would signal a larger organizational reset. Trading away a franchise defender would hurt in the short term, but premium draft picks could help reshape the roster over the next few seasons.Right now, the rumors remain speculative. Still, with Jerry Jones involved and the trade deadline months away, this situation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
