Crosby’s status is further complicated by lingering speculation about his future with the Raiders. While the absence didn’t confirm a trade, it underscored the appetite among some teams and analysts to explore how Crosby could impact a new defensive system.
Former New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty amplified the chatter on ESPN’s Get Up, proposing a trade that would send Crosby to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for George Pickens on a deal involving Pickens’ franchise-tag status. McCourty argued that such a move would bolster Dallas’s pass rush while giving Las Vegas a dynamic outside weapon in Pickens.
Of course, Crosby is widely valued as one of the NFL’s premier edge players, and the Cowboys would have to meet Las Vegas’s price. Pickens’ recent production and personality raise questions about long-term contract negotiations, and the Raiders would likely seek at least a first-round pick—or even two—along with Pickens to make a deal work. Crosby’s guaranteed contract and on-field impact only strengthen Las Vegas’s leverage.
Raiders owner Mark Davis publicly praised Crosby when asked about the situation, though he stopped short of ruling out a trade. “Maxx has been a great, great Raider… he’s gone through a lifetime of development here for seven or eight years, and he still is a Raider. So, it’s all good,” Davis said, signaling respect for Crosby while leaving room for future decisions.
For now, the Crosby-to-Cowboys scenario remains speculative. Crosby’s future will continue to be a focal point as Las Vegas charts a course under a new coaching staff, with trade chatter likely to persist until there is a definitive resolution.
