Inside The Star
NFL teams are reportedly calling the Raiders about Maxx Crosby. If the Cowboys entered the mix, his complete skill set could finally fix Dallas defensive front.
The Las Vegas Raiders are once again in the middle of trade speculation, with several reports confirming that teams have reached out about defensive end Maxx Crosby.
While the Raiders arent actively shopping their superstar, theyre not turning away calls either and thats enough to intrigue a contender like the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas has the offensive firepower to contend, but its defense has struggled to find identity or consistency. If Jerry Jones truly believes this roster is capable of a Super Bowl run, a move for Crosby could be the kind of all-in swing that defines a season.
Crosbys three-year, $106.5 million extension gives Las Vegas financial control, but it also makes him their most valuable trade asset.
With the Raiders sitting near the bottom of the AFC West, the idea of retooling with premium draft capital has gained traction.
According to multiple reports, at least three teams have made exploratory calls, knowing Crosbys competitiveness might not align with another rebuild. A serious offer from a contender could finally test the Raiders resolve.
Cowboys fans will inevitably respond, Why go after Crosby when we already had Micah Parsons?
The truth: Parsons and Crosby arent the same type of defender. Parsons is an explosive hybrid a linebacker who rushes the passer. Crosby is a complete, three-down defensive end built to dominate against both the run and the pass.
Dallas doesnt need more flash. It needs foundation. Crosby is that foundation.
To fairly compare, Crosbys numbers have been adjusted to match Parsons 61 career games through 2024.
Analysis: When measured per game, the gap between the two narrows in sacks and pressures, but Crosby dominates every other category especially run defense, efficiency, and stamina.
Crosbys ability to handle 90%+ of defensive snaps and maintain production shows why coaches see him as a true defensive end, not a situational weapon. Parsons can flip a game; Crosby can control one.
This Dallas defense has lacked edge containment and balance. The run defense ranks bottom-ten in the NFL, allowing 4.8 yards per carry on outside runs, and opponents frequently attack the perimeter.
Pairing Maxx Crosby with James Houston, Osa Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark would immediately change the tone.
Crosby and Houston off the edges would create constant disruption, while Clarks power and Osas quickness would collapse the pocket inside.
Crosbys consistency would allow defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to simplify his scheme relying more on four-man fronts and natural pressure, rather than desperate blitzes that expose the secondary.
The ripple effect could elevate the Cowboys from [a bottom of the barrel...
