Dallas and Philly: Don't Touch Maxx Crosby With a 10-Foot Pole
The talking heads on *Get Up* were at it again, floating the idea of the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles trading for Maxx Crosby. It's a fun thought, a big name moving to a contender. But let's pump the brakes on this fantasy. The cost, both in draft capital and salary, would be astronomical, and frankly, neither team needs that kind of disruption right now.
The Raiders' Stance is Clear
First off, the Raiders aren't moving Crosby. He signed a four-year, $98.98 million extension in March 2022, with $53 million guaranteed. He's the face of their franchise, the guy who brings the intensity every single snap. Last season, on a truly bad Las Vegas team, Crosby still racked up 14.5 sacks, 90 total tackles, and 23 tackles for loss. That's elite production, regardless of the team around him. He played 95% of the defensive snaps in 2023, proof of his motor and durability. You don't trade a player like that when he's still in his prime, especially not after giving him that kind of money. The Raiders would need a King's ransom, something like two first-round picks and a proven starter, just to get them to pick up the phone. Neither the Cowboys nor the Eagles have that to spare.
Why Dallas Doesn't Need Him
Look, the Cowboys already have Micah Parsons. He was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022 and 2023, with 13 sacks in each of those seasons. Dallas also boasts DeMarcus Lawrence, who, while not putting up double-digit sacks anymore, remains a stout run defender and a consistent pressure player. He had four sacks and 10 TFLs in 2023. Their defensive line is already one of the league's best, especially with rookie Marshawn Kneeland joining the group. Adding Crosby would be redundant and financially irresponsible. Parsons is due for a massive extension soon, likely making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. You can't pay Parsons $35 million a year and then pay Crosby another $25 million without gutting the rest of your roster. The Cowboys have other holes to fill, particularly at running back and offensive line. They need to re-sign CeeDee Lamb, too, who's looking for a deal north of $30 million annually.
Philly's D-Line is Stacked
And the Eagles? They just drafted Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round of the 2023 draft. Carter had six sacks as a rookie and immediately showed flashes of dominance. They still have Josh Sweat, who had 6.5 sacks last year, and Brandon Graham, the veteran leader who still chipped in with three sacks in 227 snaps. Plus, Haason Reddick, who had 11 sacks in 2023, is still on the roster, though his future is a bit uncertain. Their defensive line rotations are already deep and talented. Adding Crosby would be an embarrassment of riches, but it wouldn't address their real issues, which are in the secondary and at linebacker. They just signed Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million deal this offseason, bringing in another proven pass rusher. They're already spending big on the defensive front. The Eagles would be better served investing in a top-tier cornerback or a playmaking safety. Trading for Crosby would be a luxury they don't need and can't truly afford without sacrificing depth elsewhere.
Here's the thing: sometimes the best move is no move at all. Maxx Crosby is an incredible player, but for the Cowboys and Eagles, acquiring him would be a move born of hype, not necessity. It would dismantle their cap flexibility and disrupt their existing defensive chemistry for marginal, if any, improvement.
**Prediction: The Raiders hold onto Crosby, and he finishes with at least 12 sacks in 2024, proving his value once again.**