Dallas and Philly: Is Maxx Crosby Worth the Kingdom?

Look, the idea of Maxx Crosby in a Cowboys or Eagles uniform is tantalizing. It's the kind of offseason daydream that keeps talk shows humming. The "Get Up" crew tossed it around this week, and it’s easy to see why. Crosby is a legitimate game-wrecker, a guy who changes offensive game plans. But the question isn't just *can* they get him, it's *should* they?

The Price of Elite Edge Rush

Let's be real about what acquiring Maxx Crosby would entail. The Raiders aren't just giving him away. This isn't a disgruntled backup; this is their captain, their emotional leader, a guy with 14.5 sacks in 2023. He's signed through 2026, with a cap hit of $24.4 million this coming season. For a team to pry him from Las Vegas, they'd be looking at a minimum of two first-round picks, maybe a first and a high-end starter. Think about the haul the Bears got for Khalil Mack back in 2018 – two firsts. Crosby's production is right there. He’s had at least 10 sacks in three of the last four seasons. That kind of consistent dominance isn't cheap.

And for the Cowboys, who are already staring down massive extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, adding another $24 million-plus cap hit for 2024 is a logistical nightmare. Dallas currently has just over $6 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap. They’d have to gut the roster just to fit him in. The Eagles are in a slightly better position with about $26 million in cap space, but they also have key players like DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson due for extensions. Howie Roseman loves his defensive line, sure, but even he has limits.

Fit vs. Fiscal Responsibility

Here's the thing: both the Cowboys and Eagles already have Pro Bowl-caliber edge rushers. Micah Parsons had 14 sacks in 2023 for Dallas, and Haason Reddick put up 11 for Philadelphia. Adding Crosby to either of those lines would create an absolutely terrifying pass rush. Imagine Parsons and Crosby coming from opposite ends. Quarterbacks would be sleeping with one eye open. But is that level of luxury worth the cost?

The Cowboys' biggest issue isn't their pass rush; it's their run defense and offensive line depth. They gave up 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, 16th in the league. Pouring all their remaining draft capital and cap flexibility into another edge rusher seems like an exercise in diminishing returns. They need a run-stuffing defensive tackle, or a guard who can actually open holes for Tony Pollard. Same goes for the Eagles. Their secondary was a mess late in the 2023 season, giving up 252.7 passing yards per game over their final six regular season games. They need corners, not another defensive end, no matter how good Crosby is.

My Hot Take: Don't Do It

I think chasing Maxx Crosby is a trap for both teams. It’s the kind of move that looks great on paper but cripples your long-term flexibility. Neither the Cowboys nor the Eagles are one Maxx Crosby away from a Super Bowl. They have other, more pressing roster holes that can be addressed with the draft picks and cap space that would be sacrificed for Crosby. Go get a stud cornerback, or a dominant interior lineman. Build a more complete roster, instead of just piling on more talent at a position of strength.

The Raiders, under new head coach Antonio Pierce, aren't trading their best player anyway. He's the embodiment of their "old school" mentality. He's not going anywhere.

**Bold Prediction:** Maxx Crosby plays every snap of the 2024 season for the Las Vegas Raiders.