The Dallas Cowboys have yet again found themselves at the center of one of the NFL’s largest trade narratives, a possible blockbuster chase of Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby. What began as whispers of speculation has boiled over into an open discussion after contract specifics showed just how astronomical a move this would be for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office.

That is, per Spotrac, any franchise that trades for Crosby would instantly assume a $50.3 million fully guaranteed burden, $20.3 million in 2025, and $30 million in 2026, before his 2027 salary of $29 million takes effect. That number essentially is the immediate expense Dallas would assume if it made a trade.

His 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed next March, which would make the contract a 2.5-year, $80 million deal.

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In the midst of the financial clarity, however, there have been mixed reports as to whether a trade is even being explored. According to Cowboys insider Clarence Hill, Dallas has not yet had direct talks with the Raiders regarding a Crosby deal, but some internal discussion has occurred on attempting to get the star pass rusher.

Moreover, 105.3 The Fan‘s Bryan Broaddus postulated that the increasing speculation could be a step ahead of reality. “On the Cowboys’ end of it, this appears to be news to them,” Broaddus said. “I think they’re interested in trade opportunities. But right now, I think is reporting this from the Raiders end of things.”

Should Jerry Jones really go for the trade, league experts think it would take a first-round pick and a difference-maker even to get Las Vegas to call. Crosby is clearly one of the best pass rushers in the business. Besides already having four Pro Bowl nods to his name, he has racked up 28 tackles and four sacks in seven games this season.

Meanwhile, even with a solid performance last week against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys’ defensive unit remains last in the NFL in yards given up per contest (401.6) and 30th in points conceded per game (29.4).

The Raiders closed Jerry Jones’ trade hopes

Despite outside noise, the Raiders have made one thing loud and clear: Maxx Crosby will not be leaving. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the team spoke directly with Crosby to reassure him that he will not be traded, even with their 2-5 record under head coach Pete Carroll.

”The Raiders met with star DE Maxx Crosby today to let him know they aren’t shopping him and won’t trade him,” Pelissero posted on X. “While other teams are interested, the Raiders aren’t interested in moving their best player, and Crosby wants to stay in Las Vegas.”

Pelissero continued, “Nobody wants to win more than Maxx Crosby, and he wants to do it with the Raiders. Despite various rumors with the trade deadline 2 weeks away, the face of the franchise isn’t leaving Las Vegas.”

For the time being, any hopes of ever seeing Crosby in a Cowboys jersey are just dreams. The economics is difficult, and the trade clock is winding down rapidly. But then again, Jerry Jones is no stranger to pulling off shockers.