Over the past year, the Dallas Cowboys have been using trades to completely rebuild their defense. They sent a first-round pick for Quinnen Williams, then added Rashan Gary and Joey Porter Jr. with more future selections. Those moves brought established players into a defense that still ranks near the bottom in several key areas. The problems were visible from the opening game, when Dallas struggled to stop the run and produce consistent pressure against the New York Giants.
Maxx Crosby could give the unit another proven pass rusher. He has already been considered a potential fit for the Cowboys because of their need for an established edge defender alongside Williams. However, his price would force Dallas to make a decision that reaches beyond this season.
Crosby Solves Cowboys’ Pass Rush Woes, but Would He Be Worth the Cost?
Crosby Would Give Dallas the Pressure It Lacks
Dallas has allowed 373.7 yards per game through seven games, ranking 29th. Opponents average 145.7 rushing yards and convert 52.9% of third downs. Both figures rank last or near last.
The Cowboys have recorded 10 sacks, tied for 27th, and edge rushers have combined for only three. First-round edge rusher Malachi Lawrence also recorded no sacks through his first four games, leaving Dallas with limited production from its younger pass-rush options.
Crosby would address the pass rush. He has generated 37 pressures through seven games, fourth among qualified edge defenders. His pass-rush grade ranks 10th among 113 edge defenders. Dallas needs that kind of steady disruption.
Crosby could also change how opponents block the Cowboys. With him outside, Gary could get more one-on-one chances, while Williams attacks from inside. Three established players would give Dallas more ways to create pressure.
Crosby’s Run Defense Matters Just as Much
Crosby’s 2026 run-defense grade ranks seventh among 113 edge defenders. That matters for a Dallas defense allowing 145.7 rushing yards per game. He can set the edge and force runners back inside before they reach the linebackers.
He cannot fix every problem. Dallas still needs better coverage and tackling, especially on third down. Crosby can shorten a quarterback’s time to throw, but he cannot cover receivers or clean up every missed assignment. He would improve the front, not rebuild the entire defense.
Dallas Has Already Spent Its Best Picks
The trade price is the problem. Baltimore agreed to send the Raiders two first-round picks for Crosby in March, but the deal collapsed after he failed his physical following meniscus surgery. That is a useful benchmark, not proof that Las Vegas wants the same return now.
Dallas already traded the better of its two 2027 first-round picks to the Jets for Williams. It sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to Green Bay for Gary, then gave Pittsburgh a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder for Porter. Dallas has one first-round pick left in 2027 and its original first in 2028.
Giving up both would leave the Cowboys without a first-round pick in either of the next two drafts. That is a steep cost for a team with needs across its defense. Dallas must add help at more than one position, and draft picks offer a cheaper way to bring in several young players.
Contract Adds to Price
Crosby’s three-year, $106.5 million contract carries an average annual value of $35.5 million. His 2027 salary-cap charge is about $29.8 million. Dallas would give up two premium picks and take on one of the league’s highest-paid edge defenders.
The Cowboys should pursue Crosby, but not at a two-first-round price. One first-round pick and a smaller conditional selection would be a more sensible limit. If Las Vegas refuses, Dallas should keep its picks and address the defense through more than one move.
The Last Word
Crosby would improve Dallas immediately. His 37 pressures rank fourth among edge defenders, while his run-defense grade ranks seventh. Those numbers fit the Cowboys’ most urgent needs.
However, Dallas has already spent a 2027 first, a 2027 fourth, a 2027 sixth, and a 2028 second on defensive help. Another two first-round picks would leave little room to fix the rest of the defense. Crosby is worth pursuing, but not at the cost of two drafts.
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