The Dallas Cowboys are among several teams linked to star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, but the latest betting markets suggest Jerry Jones‘ franchise is far from the front of the line. According to DraftKings, the Chicago Bears are the overwhelming favorites to acquire Maxx Crosby, holding +200 odds.
The Las Vegas Raiders themselves sit second at +350, implying it is more likely he remains in Las Vegas than lands elsewhere. The Cowboys are grouped behind them at +700, tied with multiple contenders.
As Mike Florio of ProFootball Talk wrote: “Five teams are clustered at +700: the Rams, Cowboys, Bills, Ravens, and Eagles.” He added: “The Patriots land at +1000, with the Lions and Buccaneers at +1200.”
For Dallas, the need is clear. The Cowboys traded premier edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last August, creating a significant void in their pass rush.
Adding a disruptive force like Crosby would immediately reshape the defense. Over seven NFL seasons, Crosby has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent defensive playmakers.
He owns five Pro Bowl selections and two second-team All-Pro nods. In 2025, he recorded 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, six pass defenses and one interception.
He has averaged nearly 10 sacks per season, totaling 69.5 sacks across seven campaigns, eclipsing the 10-sack mark in both 2022 and 2023.
Beyond pure sack production, Crosby is elite against the run. He led the NFL in tackles for loss in 2022 and 2023 and set a new personal high in that category this past season.
His three-down impact makes him a schematic fit for virtually any defense, including that of the Cowboys, who were in disarray defensively in 2025.
The price tag complicates Dallas’ pursuit
The primary obstacle is compensation. Reports previously suggested that the Raiders are seeking two first-round picks and a player in exchange for Crosby.
Given what the Cowboys received for Micah Parsons, such an asking price aligns with precedent. However, analyst Albert Breer has cast doubt on whether he would command a comparable haul.
“It’d be difficult to find the haul that the Raiders got for Khalil Mack eight years ago, or what Dallas got for Micah Parsons last year, or what the Dolphins received for Laremy Tunsil in 2019,” Breer wrote.
“All of those guys were traded for packages fronted by two first-round picks. All of those guys were also much younger, nearing the ends of their rookie deals.”
That age and contract context may ultimately force the Raiders to lower their demands.
Cowboys may go for alternatives
A reduced price would improve the Cowboys‘ chances, but competition remains intense.
Trey Hendrickson is a rumoured target and Jaelan Phillips would be another option at edge, as he was with new coordinator Christian Parker last year in Philly.
But few can doubt that Crosby would be a transformative addition for any side, let alone teams with a clear need to strengthen their defense.
Of course, the draft capital required could limit roster flexibility. For now, the betting markets reflect the reality that the Cowboys are interested, but not leading the race – and neither are they out of it.
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