Christian Parker's new defense has Dallas Cowboys fans feeling jubilant, but they still have a chance to get more depth on that side of the ball and actually look like one of the scariest defenses in the world. Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby has been involved in trade talks for a year, but after a failed physical with the Baltimore Ravens that kept him with the Raiders, it seems everything has calmed down.
Cowboys insider and film analyst Bryan Broaddus has a shocking trade proposal that puts Crosby in Dallas. It seems so simple, but in the end, the Cowboys would have to give up their All-Pro breakout WR in George Pickens. Here's some of what Broaddus said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas:
"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-rounder for Maxx Crosby
Now, Crosby still has a path to be traded elsewhere (assuming he passes his next physical). The Raiders are in rebuild mode under Fernando Mendoza. Could that still be an incentive for Crosby to stay? I'd say no, because they still need a lot more to compete in the AFC.
If Crosby is still up for grabs, this proposal by Broaddus is one to think about. On one hand, you lose Pickens, a breakout All-Pro who's been one of Prescott's best weapons of his career. In just one season, it's fair to give him that kind of praise. You lose a serious deep threat in Pickens and are likely looking for your next WR2 in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Many have pointed to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith as someone who can instantly change an offense, but he's no doubt going to be a top-five pick. The Cowboys don't want to look forward to a top five pick this season, but any other WR isn't going to be as big of a splash as Smith.
There have also been concerns about Pickens' behavior, but those quickly subsided after he attended mandatory minicamp. With Pickens on the franchise tag, his future is still uncertain, but there's at least a good sign here knowing he's actively participating with his teammates.
There's a real dark cloud over Pickens' financial standing, as the Cowboys would be putting Pickens and CeeDee Lamb at the top of the WR market if he is signed long-term. A real question arises on whether the Cowboys can afford that.
As for Crosby, he's one of the biggest game-changers the NFL has to offer. He's racked up 69.5 sacks and 133 tackles for loss in 110 games played over his seven-year career. Anybody would be lucky to have "Mad Maxx," and he would instantly change the Cowboys to a real Super Bowl contender.
Then again, you have young pieces on that side of the ball that you have to experiment with. Rookie Malachi Lawrence is looking to turn some heads this season. Rashan Gary has plenty of juice in the tank and is looking to get back to an 8-to-10 sack season. Donovan Ezeiruaku looks like he's on the verge of a sophomore leap.
There are still a lot of questions about what this group can do under someone like Parker, but that deserves a chance to be answered.
If all works the way things stand now, great. But it's worth a look for Jerry Jones if he wants to get to a sixth Super Bowl title.
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