Jerry Jones could land Maxx Crosby in blockbuster trade involving George Pickens

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The Dallas Cowboys' defense was a complete liability in 2025. Jerry Jones’ defensive unit finished No. 30 in total yards allowed and ranked dead last against the pass at No. 32. Their defensive collapse serves as the backdrop for every offseason conversation in Dallas, explaining why Maxx Crosby's name continuously surfaces.

Crosby possesses the rare, elite talent capable of fixing a franchise’s pass rush overnight. Across 15 games in 2025, he remained incredibly productive, posting 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

He is a five-time Pro Bowler who ranks among the NFL's most disruptive defenders when healthy. While he has battled lingering ankle and knee injuries over the past two seasons, his tape proves he remains an every-down nightmare for offensive tackles.

Consequently, Crosby has been the subject of intense trade speculation for months. The Baltimore Ravens actually agreed to send two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for him in March, only for Baltimore to back out of the deal after structural concerns arose during his medical physical. Despite years of chatter connecting Crosby to America's Team, nothing has materialized with Dallas yet. Now, however, a new trade concept is making rounds.

Cowboys insider and film analyst Bryan Broaddus raised eyebrows on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, floating a swap that would send George Pickens and a first-rounder to Las Vegas for Crosby, pointing to the Cowboys' defense as the reason to make the move.

He said, "I would offer a one and Pickens to the Raiders... I know Pickens was incredible last year, but the one thing that's holding you back is this defense."

Bryan Broaddus says he would trade George Pickens and a first round pick RIGHT NOW for Maxx Crosby. Are you approving that deal? pic.twitter.com/Z9Zovt6l3b

— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) July 2, 2026

However, losing Pickens would hurt. He just had an impressive year with 93 catches, over 1,400 yards, and 9 touchdowns. But the front office put him on a one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag instead of giving him a long-term deal. Because of that, many think his future in Dallas is up in the air, which is why his name is naturally coming up in trade rumors.

If they ever think to pull the trigger, it leaves a huge hole next to CeeDee Lamb that they’d probably have to fix in the 2027 draft. But for now, it remains a hypothetical scenario that carries immense upside and significant risk for the Cowboys.