BONUS EPISODE: Dallas Cowboys CONSIDERING Huge TRADE for Maxx Crosby – Does It Make SENSE?

Podcast: Locked On Cowboys
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this bonus episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool dive deep into the swirling rumors that the Dallas Cowboys could be considering a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The hosts break down both sides of the argument—why trading for Crosby makes sense, why it may be too risky, and what the real costs would be. The discussion is grounded in cap realities, team-building philosophy, and a clear-eyed evaluation of Crosby’s value and fit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why the Cowboys Should Trade for Maxx Crosby

(00:56–05:28)

• Crosby’s Immediate Impact

  • The Cowboys defense performed below expectations last season, and Crosby is regarded as an elite, three-down player who rarely leaves the field.
    • Marcus: "Max Crosby might be on the trade block. We'll tell you why the Cowboys should or shouldn't trade for him next." (00:56)
    • Landon: “The Cowboys are not a very good defense and Maxx Crosby is very good at defense, and sometimes it’s as simple as that.” (02:50)

• Versatility & Durability

  • Crosby’s endurance and willingness to play nearly every defensive snap are repeatedly emphasized.
    • Marcus: “I think there was like four straight years. He played 98% of the defensive snaps for the Raiders. Like he legitimately does not come off the field.” (03:31)
    • Landon: “The dude loves ball and he shows it by playing a ton of snaps… an incredibly versatile top end player.” (03:39)

• Talent Tier Clarification

  • While Crosby is not quite at the Micah Parsons or Myles Garrett level as a pure pass rusher, he is in the next tier overall and is “truly top end elite... run defender.” (04:13, Landon).

• Leadership & Locker Room Culture

  • Crosby’s on-field leadership and relentless effort are highlighted as intangibles that can uplift the Cowboys’ defense.
    • Landon: “Adding a guy like that who’s going to set the example and set the tone for the rest of your defensive line.” (04:31)

• Win-Now Mentality & Defensive Front Potential

  • Pairing Crosby with established interior players (Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark) could create a “Super Bowl caliber defensive line.”
    • Marcus: “You get a ready-made All-Pro edge rusher that you’re pairing with Quinnen Williams… and you have a Super Bowl caliber defensive line.” (04:43)

2. Trade Cost & Market Context

(01:51–02:43, 05:28–05:41)

• What Would It Take?

  • Rumor: Seahawks reportedly offered two first-round picks and were turned down by the Raiders.
    • Landon: “Apparently the Seahawks offered two first round picks to Vegas and Vegas said no… they could try to command more than the Micah Parsons trade.” (02:03)
    • Marcus: “That’s also what you should be telling teams right now about Maxx Crosby if you’re even thinking.” (02:36)

• Valuation Debate

  • The hosts note that this astronomical price could just be the Raiders doing the right thing to maximize value.

3. Reasons to Be Cautious (Why the Cowboys Shouldn’t Trade for Crosby)

(08:06–12:27)

• Age & Mileage

  • Crosby, now 29 and coming off an injury (though expected to be ready for camp), has already played a heavy snap load.
    • Landon: “He is going to be 29 years old… He has played a lot of snaps and he’s going to be 29… it could be time where you start to see it start to take its toll here.” (08:06)

• Escalating Price

  • Initial hope for a first-rounder “and some change” replaced by a rumored demand for two firsts or more. This is a steep price for a non-QB, especially an older one.
    • Landon: “If they’re turning down the Seahawks for two first round picks, I mean, that’s just way more than I’m willing to pay for Maxx Crosby.” (09:11)

• Roster-Building Cost

  • Forfeiting multiple firsts for a veteran means losing two “talented, cheap roster spots” that are essential when you’ve invested heavily at other positions (QB, WR).
    • Landon: “You need those picks… and you can’t do that if you give them away for a really expensive player.” (12:01)

• Salary Cap & Positional Spending

  • Cowboys already have significant money tied up in their defensive line. Adding Crosby risks creating the NFL’s most expensive front four, detracting from other needy units (LB, CB, S).
    • Marcus: “Now you’re talking about having the most expensive defensive line in the NFL by a mile... you might be investing too many resources to one unit.” (10:55)

• Draft & Free Agency Alternatives

  • This year’s draft and free agency classes are deep at edge rusher. The team could sign two veterans for the price of one Crosby and retain their picks.
    • Marcus: “There’s a lot of quality defensive ends in free agency this year. Hold on to the picks, maybe spend $30 million combined on two edge rushers, and I think you’ll have a better defense.” (12:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Landon McCool:

  • “[Crosby] is going to set the example and set the tone for the rest of your defensive line.” (04:31)
  • “He has played a lot of snaps and he’s going to be 29… it could be time where you start to see it start to take its toll here.” (08:06)
  • “It’s a lot of investment for a position in which... you feel like you want some, you could solve with a couple of different guys and you feel like there are answers in the draft that you like a lot.” (09:35)

• Marcus Mosher:

  • “You get a ready-made All-Pro edge rusher that you’re pairing with Quinnen Williams… and you have a Super Bowl caliber defensive line.” (04:43)
  • “If it only costs one first-round pick and that’s the price, I think you can stomach it. But the idea of a first and X plus maybe a new deal, I think the Cowboys should pass here.” (11:41)
  • "Now you’re talking about having the most expensive defensive line in the NFL by a mile." (10:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:56 – Episode theme: Maxx Crosby trade speculation
• 01:51–02:50 – Rumored price and potential trade negotiations
• 02:50–05:28 – Pros: What Crosby brings to Dallas
• 05:28–05:41 – Transition to trade caution
• 08:06–10:55 – Cons: Age, injury, and price
• 10:55–12:27 – Roster building & financial caution
• 12:27 – Free agent & draft alternatives

Tone and Style

The discussion is lively, analytical, and rooted in a pragmatic understanding of NFL team-building. Both hosts offer clear opinions while acknowledging shades of gray, with Landon providing measured skepticism and Marcus articulating how big acquisitions could push the Cowboys over the top. The banter is typical of seasoned Cowboys observers: knowledgeable, passionate, and always eyeing how each move impacts both the present and the franchise's long-term flexibility.

Summary

The Locked On Cowboys hosts meticulously break down the pros and cons of a blockbuster Cowboys deal for Maxx Crosby. While both Marcus and Landon recognize his on-field value, leadership, and immediate-fit potential on a win-now team, they ultimately question the wisdom of surrendering multiple first-rounders (plus potentially a new contract) for a 29-year-old, high-mileage defender—especially with strong alternatives available in the draft and free agency. Their conclusion: while seductive, the deal may be one the Cowboys should let pass.