Despite a defensive revamp, the Dallas Cowboys still lack a proven veteran edge rusher to anchor their pass rush in 2026. Now, one Cowboys insider believes that the solution could come through a blockbuster trade for the Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby.

During his recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus said that he would offer a first-round pick along with wide receiver George Pickens to secure the five-time Pro Bowler, Maxx Crosby, for the Cowboys. 

"I would offer a one and Pickens to the Raiders," Broaddus said during the 105.3 The Fan podcast. "I think, to me, I know Pickens was incredible last year, but the one thing that is holding you back is this defense. You add him [Crosby] to this defense."

Broaddus said during the 105.3 The Fan podcast that, as the defense struggled by ranking near the bottom (No. 30 overall in the league) last year, adding a veteran of Crosby's potential could boost the strength of the Cowboys' pass rush position.

Broaddus believes that sending Pickens along with a first-round pick could convince the Raiders to trade Crosby, as Pickens enters the 2026 season after a breakout campaign, posting career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9).

The Cowboys have tried to trade for Crosby earlier this year, making three different offers. Each proposal involved a 2026 first-round pick (either No. 12 or No. 20) along with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, or a 2027 third-round or second-round pick.

The Raiders declined the offer, as they preferred the Baltimore Ravens' offer, which included two first-round picks (2026 & 2027) in exchange for Crosby. Eventually, though, Crosby failed his physical and was back with the Raiders, set to play for the 2026 season..

While Broaddus believes acquiring Crosby would address one of the Cowboys' biggest defensive needs, one analyst argues that sacrificing Pickens could create a significant void on the offensive side of the ball.

NFL Analyst believes losing Pickens would weaken Dallas' offense

Adam Schultz of Roundtable Sports had a mixed take on the projected move, as adding Crosby could boost the defense. But it could weaken the offense unit's passing attack as well.

"Now, would Crosby be a hit in Dallas?" Adam Schultz of Roundtable Sports wrote. "Of course he would. Having him along the defensive line with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark is a tantalizing thought."

Crosby posted 10 sacks, 73 tackles (45 solo), 20 QB hits, six passes defended, and one interception. Schultz believes that Crosby's ability to generate pressure would allow DTs to occupy blockers effectively and stabilize run defense.

"However, I feel that losing Pickens and having CeeDee Lamb and then Ryan Flournoy would cripple the offense," Schultz wrote. "Yes, Flo is an up-and-coming receiver, but to do a No. 2? He isn't there yet."

Although Flournoy has emerged as a promising WR3 option in 2025, Schultz believes that he is not ready to step into the WR2 role yet.

According to Schultz, moving Pickens would create a gap in the Cowboys' passing game by splitting the powerful Lamb-Pickens WR tandem.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote