Podcast Summary: Locked On Cowboys

Episode: TRADE: Should the Dallas Cowboys Aggressively PURSUE Maxx Crosby To FIX Defense?

Hosts: Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool
Date: January 13, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores whether the Dallas Cowboys should make another bold trade to acquire a high-impact defensive player—specifically, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby—to help rapidly improve the Cowboys’ defense. Hosts Marcus and Landon debate the merits and challenges of making such an aggressive move, weigh the importance of bolstering the defensive line versus adding overall depth, and dissect possible alternatives and strategies for Dallas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Should Dallas Take Another Big Swing? (01:26–05:50)

• Recent Context: Jerry Jones hinted at not being “done taking a big swing” on defense after recent moves, notably the Quinn Williams trade.
• Draft Capital: Cowboys hold picks 12 and 20 in the first round, providing ammo for a blockbuster trade.
• Defensive Line Priority: Both hosts agree if the Cowboys pursue another big move, it should be for a defensive lineman, as dominant play up front can transform a defense, even with only average secondary play.

Quote – Landon McCool (02:14):
“One of the quickest ways to get this defense up to reputable is to get one aspect of your defense supercharged. … For the Cowboys, they seem to be a lot closer on the defensive line than the defensive backfield.”

2. Balancing a Star vs. Depth (05:07–09:00)

• Resource Allocation Dilemma: Cowboys already paid for Quinn Williams and others; the question is whether to consolidate talent into one more superstar or to build depth and elevate the floor with multiple solid players.
• Rookie Contract Value: Trading away another first-rounder means not only surrendering the pick but also forfeiting a young player on a cost-controlled contract—an issue when managing the team’s cap.

Quote – Marcus Mosher (09:00):
“It’s not just trading the number 20 pick for Maxx Crosby … You’re also getting however many other players on top of that. … Your defense is really a weak link system, and if you’ve got one or two guys out there that can’t cover … guys are just going to spam play calls all game long until you take that guy off the field.”

3. Why Defensive Line? (09:47–10:17)

• Defensive Weak Link Theory: While you need overall competency in the defensive backfield, a superstar edge rusher can “raise all boats” in the pass rush and cover for other defensive shortcomings.
• Limited Positions Worth a Splash: Edge rusher is the only position where the hosts see value in a huge move, given the lack of game-changing veterans available at safety and linebacker.

Should Dallas Target Maxx Crosby? (13:52–17:42)

4. Is Maxx Crosby an Ideal Trade Target?

• Prototypical Fit: Crosby is lauded for elite snap count, versatility, rare durability, and impact at both pass and run defense.
• Force Multiplier: His ability to play nearly every down amplifies overall defensive effectiveness.

Quote – Landon McCool (13:52):
“Maxx Crosby plays like 900 snaps a season. He doesn’t come off the field. … He adds the right type of body type that you’re looking for at defensive end to go opposite of Ezraku. Crosby makes a ton of sense for this team.”

5. Realistic Availability & Concerns (15:16–17:18)

• Raiders’ Motivations: The Raiders may consider moving Crosby due to his dissatisfaction, their likely rebuild, and the need for more offensive assets.
• Age and Health Risks: Crosby will be 29, with significant lower body injuries and overall wear and tear, prompting concern about long-term value.
• ‘Window’ Thinking: The Cowboys’ focus is on maximizing the current championship window rather than long-term sustainability.

Quote – Marcus Mosher (15:16):
“I love Maxx Crosby. … He’s not on the level of Micah Parsons or Myles Garrett as a pass rusher. … My concern is … he’s an old 29. With how banged up his body is, I would be worried a little bit on how his game is going to age.”

Trade Compensation & Valuation (17:42–20:08)

• Crosby’s Contract: Manageable and “team friendly,” reportedly $10M/year less than Micah Parsons.
• Hosts’ Price Point: Both hesitate at trading pick #12; believe pick #20, possibly with a moderate “sweetener” (e.g., a player like TJ Bass), would be Maxx Crosby’s fair value.
• Reluctance: Neither would give up both first-round picks, and would balk at adding too much to the offer.

Quote – Landon McCool (18:12):
“For Maxx Crosby, [pick] 20 seems like a pretty fair pay. I don’t know that I would do 12. That’s how tight this margin is in my head.”

Negotiation Scenarios

• Player Sweeteners: Discuss inclusion of young OL like TJ Bass or Ryan Flournoy if pick #20 alone doesn't close the deal.

Other Edge Options: Trey Hendrickson & Nick Herbig (23:08–27:54)

6. Trey Hendrickson — A Viable Free Agent Alternative?

• Strengths/Weaknesses: Elite pass rusher, but less stout vs. the run.
• Contract Cost: Likely to command $25–30M/year. Free agency avoids trading picks but still represents a major investment.
• Age/Health: 31, injury history, “generally undersized,” more of a risk for rapid decline.

Quote – Marcus Mosher (24:48):
“He’s not really a run defender … he is a pass rusher you leave on the field all the time. … But if it’s, let’s say, 26 million, I do think you could do some things to limit his snaps, keep him fresh.”

7. Nick Herbig — Cheap, Young Trade Target

• Profile: Still on rookie deal, undersized but flashed as a situational pass rusher (former Wisconsin/Jim Leonhard player).
• Value: Could be a savvy addition for a mid- or late-round pick, fitting the “spread the risk” philosophy.

Quote – Marcus Mosher (27:08):
“Getting a 24 year old whose best football is still ahead of him isn’t something that I’m opposed to doing at all.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Building Philosophy:
  Marcus Mosher (09:00):
  “Your defense is really a weak link system... if you've got one or two guys ... that can't cover ... guys are just going to spam play calls all game long until you take that guy off the field.”

• On Crosby’s Fit and Mentality:
  Landon McCool (13:52):
  “Maxx Crosby... adds the right type of body type that you’re looking for at defensive end to go opposite of Ezraku.”

• On Price Hesitation:
  Landon McCool (18:12):
  “I don’t know that I would do 12. I mean, that’s how tight this margin is in my head. … 20th pick and everything outside of that is probably a negotiation for me.”

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:26] — Episode Theme Introduced: Big trade possibilities for defense
• [02:06] — Why upgrading the defensive line is the fastest path to improvement
• [05:07] — Should Dallas be aggressive or spread out cap resources?
• [09:00] — The “weak link” NFL defense theory
• [13:52] — Deep dive on Maxx Crosby as a target
• [15:16] — Crosby’s contract, injury & age risks discussed
• [17:42] — How much is too much for a Crosby deal?
• [23:08] — Trey Hendrickson as an alternative edge target
• [27:08] — Nick Herbig as a younger, cost-efficient option

Final Thoughts

The hosts thoughtfully debate whether the Dallas Cowboys should go all-in on making a splash for Maxx Crosby or take a more balanced, risk-averse approach to rebuilding their defense. While Crosby checks many boxes as a force-multiplier, the age, durability, and contract dynamics leave the decision as a close call—one heavily dependent on trade price and long-term roster planning. Alternatives like Trey Hendrickson or Nick Herbig offer flexibility but come with their own trade-offs in terms of cost, risk, and upside.

Summary by Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summarizer