The "Get Up" crew got into it this week, tossing around the idea of the Cowboys or Eagles making a move for Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. And honestly, it’s not as crazy as it sounds on first blush. We’re talking about a guy who had 14.5 sacks in 2023, his second straight season with double-digit sacks. That kind of production doesn’t just grow on trees, especially for teams that feel they’re a piece or two away from a Super Bowl.
Look, both Dallas and Philadelphia have pass rushers. Micah Parsons is a cyborg, leading the Cowboys with 14 sacks last season. For the Eagles, Haason Reddick delivered 11 sacks in 2022 and 16 in 2023 before they traded him to the Jets this spring. But the depth chart behind Parsons in Dallas isn't exactly stacked with game-wreckers, and while the Eagles added Bryce Huff, Crosby is a different beast entirely. He’s played 17 games in all but one of his five NFL seasons, bringing an intensity and motor that’s unmatched. He’s a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate every year he steps on the field.
Here's the thing: Crosby is under contract with the Raiders through 2026. He signed a four-year, $98.98 million extension in 2022, with $53 million guaranteed. That’s a hefty price tag, and any team trading for him would be taking on that salary. For the Cowboys, who are already navigating CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation and Dak Prescott’s future, adding another massive deal would be a squeeze. They’re currently sitting with about $10 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. The Eagles have a bit more flexibility, around $26 million, but they also just gave DeVonta Smith a three-year, $75 million extension.
Then there's the draft capital. Las Vegas isn’t just giving away their best player. A trade for Crosby would likely require at least a first-round pick, possibly more, considering his age (26) and consistent production. The Raiders would demand a premium, and rightfully so. They’re not exactly swimming in talent, and Crosby is the face of their defense. Remember what the Bears got for Khalil Mack back in 2018? Two first-round picks, among other things. Crosby’s value isn’t far off that.
Real talk: I don't see either team pulling the trigger. As much as Crosby would elevate both defenses, the cap gymnastics and draft capital required are just too steep. The Cowboys need to pay Lamb, and they’ve got other holes to fill. Their offensive line could use more help, and their run game was inconsistent at best last year, averaging just 112.9 rushing yards per game, 15th in the league. The Eagles, meanwhile, just reshuffled their defensive coordinator position again, bringing in Vic Fangio. They’re trying to build continuity, not blow up their roster for one player, no matter how good.
My hot take? Trading for Crosby would be a desperation move for a team that isn’t quite as close as they think they are. Both the Cowboys and Eagles have Super Bowl aspirations, but they also have enough talent that they shouldn’t be mortgaging their future for one player. It’s a sexy idea, a splashy move, but it’s not a smart one for either organization right now.
Bold prediction: Maxx Crosby finishes his career as a Raider, never suiting up for another NFL team.