One of the NFL's most prominent voices, Rich Eisen, recently preached to the choir that is Dallas Cowboys fans. He expressed belief that disgruntled Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby can elevate "America's Team" to contention, which ostensibly didn't go unheard.
Recent intel indicates that Dallas is at least somewhat in alignment with Eisen. While CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones revealed that the Chicago Bears are considered a "team to watch" in the Crosby sweepstakes, the Cowboys "are lurking" too.
Of course, there figures to be significant competition for Crosby's services beyond the Cowboys and Bears. However, Jones' comments suggest the two storied NFC franchises are at or near the front of the pack in an arms race.
The Dallas Cowboys may be threatening to snatch Maxx Crosby
Buckle up, Cowboys Nation, because things may get uncomfortable. There are a lot of variables at play regarding whether Crosby actually winds up in Dallas — or gets moved at all. The Bears' interest in acquiring him certainly complicates matters, considering they're equipped to win a bidding war, as Jones highlights.
The Cowboys notably have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to offer for Crosby, or any elite talent who may become available. So, it's easy to envision them being in the driver's seat in negotiations, right? Yet, Jones thinks the Bears "could be best positioned to do a deal if one can be done."
Having quarterback Caleb Williams on a rookie-scale contract gives Chicago a unique advantage in any discussions with the Raiders. He's signed through 2027 with a sub-$10 million annual average salary, and that doesn't include the fifth-year option at their disposal.
Having football's most important (and expensive) position figured out at this price allows them to "still be aggressive to land a top-tier player," like Crosby.
For what it's worth, the Cowboys' desperation could trump the Bears' organizational leverage. Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones' self-declared aggressiveness and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku's offseason labrum surgery are meaningful potential swing factors.
Nevertheless, when there's smoke, a fire usually isn't far behind.
Time will tell where Crosby will play next season, though it's becoming increasingly clear that he won't be returning to Las Vegas. The five-time Pro Bowler has reportedly "exhausted all efforts" ($) with the Raiders, which is why clubs like Chicago and Dallas are monitoring the situation.