Raiders Star Defender Could Spark Interest Among NFL Contenders

The Dallas Cowboys seem to be settling for a less-than-ideal pass rush as they prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 NFL season. ESPN's Todd Archer recently highlighted the team's struggles in this area, indicating that without a premier edge rusher, the Cowboys are likely to rely on their depth to enhance their pass-rushing effectiveness. However, there are indications that Dallas might reconsider its approach to acquiring a top-tier edge defender.

ESPN analyst Dan Graziano speculated that a standout player from the Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby, could become a target for the Cowboys and other teams as the season progresses. He remarked, “(Maxx) Crosby already got traded this offseason… Well, sort of. He was headed to Baltimore for a pair of first-round draft picks until the Ravens backed out over medical concerns regarding his surgically repaired left knee.”

Graziano went on to explain that Crosby's salary of $29 million is now fully guaranteed for the 2027 season, meaning any team that acquires him would be responsible for $59 million over the next two years. While it seems likely that Crosby may remain with the Raiders this season, Graziano suggested that a trade could emerge in the lead-up to the deadline if teams like the Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, or New England Patriots find themselves in a position to contend and in need of a significant pass-rushing upgrade.

Each of these franchises, which all recorded fewer than 40 sacks last year, would benefit from Crosby’s elite skills on the edge. The Cowboys, in particular, should feel encouraged to pursue aggressive moves in the trade market, given their high-octane offense, which averaged 391.9 yards per game and scored 27.7 points per game last season. However, their defense faced challenges that often left the offense vulnerable.

Acquiring Crosby, who has achieved at least seven sacks in every season since joining the NFL, could bolster Dallas's defensive unit and reduce the risk of their offense being overexposed. Although a trade may not materialize immediately, the potential for a mid-season deal remains a possibility worth considering.