Dallas Cowboys Seek Defensive Savior Amidst Playoff Push

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position as the NFL trade deadline approaches. Despite high expectations entering the 2025 season, Dallas ranks near the bottom of the league in nearly every defensive category: 31st against the pass, 29th against the run, and 31st in points allowed per game. Through eight games, the Cowboys have recorded just 15 sacks, leaving their front seven struggling to generate pressure against even average quarterbacks.

With the playoff window still open but narrowing, it has become abundantly clear that the Cowboys’ defense needs a major infusion of talent if they are to compete in the AFC East and maintain a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

The Maxx Crosby Rumor

Amid the struggles, Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News predicts that Dallas’ only hope might come through a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

“With the Cowboys’ defense breaking down against any above-average offense with its lacking pass rush and coverage issues, Jerry Jones needs to decide whether his 3-4-1 team will be buyers at the deadline,” Iyer wrote. “It seems like Crosby or bust for Dallas to try to replace Micah Parsons, but it’s no surprise Pete Carroll & Co. are hesitant to move the Raiders’ only true defensive impact player.”

Crosby would represent a near-perfect solution to Dallas’ defensive woes. A four-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most relentless pass rushers, Crosby has posted double-digit sack totals in three separate seasons. This season alone, he has accumulated four sacks and 25 quarterback pressures through seven games, illustrating his consistent disruption at the line of scrimmage.

Long-Term Value

Beyond his immediate impact, Crosby offers the Cowboys stability and long-term value. His contract, which runs through 2029 for $106.5 million, ensures that the team would not only gain an elite edge rusher this season but could also build a defensive core around him for years to come.

For a Dallas team that has struggled to replace Micah Parsons—lost to injury or age-related decline—the acquisition of Crosby would be the closest possible equivalent: a premier pass rusher capable of altering games and demanding constant attention from opposing offenses.

Practical Hurdles

Despite the potential fit, reports suggest that a trade for Crosby is highly unlikely. According to FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, the Cowboys have indeed reached out to the Raiders about the star edge rusher, but the response was unequivocal: Crosby is not available. Other sources corroborate this stance, indicating that Las Vegas has no interest in moving its most impactful defensive player, particularly with a playoff push of its own underway.

This reality highlights the practical challenges Dallas faces. Even if Jerry Jones is willing to part with draft capital or other assets, the Raiders have little incentive to dismantle their defense midseason. As a result, while the idea of acquiring Crosby captures headlines, Cowboys fans may need to temper expectations.

Alternative Moves

With Crosby off the table, Dallas will need to explore other avenues to improve its beleaguered defense. Potential solutions include trades for lesser-known pass rushers, waiver-wire pickups, or internal lineup adjustments. Players like Mazi Smith, Solomon Thomas, or James Houston could be repurposed or elevated to fill gaps, but none match the instant impact Crosby would provide.

The Cowboys’ secondary also remains a glaring weakness, with limited depth and coverage inconsistencies exacerbating the front-seven struggles. Any deadline acquisition must balance the need for immediate pressure with the ability to improve coverage against NFL-caliber receivers.

The Stakes

The stakes are clear: without an infusion of defensive talent, Dallas’ postseason hopes could evaporate quickly. The NFC East is competitive, and while the Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, continues to produce, it cannot consistently overcome a defense allowing nearly 30 points per game.

Jerry Jones’ willingness to explore a high-profile trade underscores the urgency of the situation. Even if a Crosby deal proves impossible, it signals to fans and players that the front office recognizes the problem and is actively seeking solutions.

Conclusion

While a trade for Maxx Crosby may be unlikely, it serves as a reminder of the Cowboys’ pressing defensive needs. The team ranks near the bottom of the league in almost every defensive metric, and without significant improvement, its playoff window could close before the season’s second half.

Dallas’ front office now faces a critical decision: identify alternative ways to bolster the pass rush, strengthen the secondary, and provide Micah Parsons’ replacement with the support necessary to compete at a high level.

For now, Cowboys fans are left to wonder whether a high-profile trade could still materialize or if the team will be forced to rely on internal adjustments and developmental players to salvage its season. Either way, the next few days leading up to the NFL trade deadline could define the trajectory of Dallas’ 2025 campaign.