Jerry Jones may want the elite pass rusher, but the suggested current price for his services feels too high and the Cowboys<\/a> shouldn\u2019t feel the need to pay it. Reports are the Raiders are seeking two first-round picks and a player<\/a> in any swap for Crosby.<\/p>\n That equates to what Dallas got for edge rusher Micah Parsons last year. However, Parsons is younger, still in his prime and had more sacks than Crosby over the same four-year span of their careers from 2021-2024.<\/p>\n It has been suggested the Cowboys didn\u2019t get enough for Parsons, which has some validity, but that\u2019s still too much to trade for a Crosby, who will be 29-years old when the 2026 season starts. For the Cowboys, even offering two first-round picks could be seen as an overpay, yet they appear to be \u201clurking\u201d on a Crosby trade.<\/p>\n The team traded Parsons to give themselves the draft picks to build the team around more than just one elite player on defense, and the organization has done a solid job of setting themselves up to do that, but trading both first-round selections in the upcoming draft would jeopardize that goal. Crosby\u2019s a great pass rusher and plays with relentless passion, but the Cowboys aren\u2019t one player away from being a complete defense, they need more help.\u00a0<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n If two first-round picks and a player are the parameters for a deal, the trade doesn\u2019t make sense for the Cowboys. The team can utilize picks No. 12 and No. 20 overall to help rebuild the defense, and at a cheaper price. Spotrac has the projected cost of the Cowboys\u2019 two first-round picks at a combined cost of around $45 million over the next four years, while Crosby\u2019s deal calls for him to get paid significantly more.<\/p>\n The Cowboys could always re-do Crosby\u2019s contract, and they can create the cap space to absorb the veteran\u2019s salary if needed, but that another reason the deal is bad business for the team.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good free agent group of pass rushers; the Cowboys could add one and keep their premium draft picks to rebuild the defense. That\u2019s three players instead of one to pitch in on Christian Parker\u2019s unit. Crosby is a top pass rusher, but there are other options in free agency near his level. Former Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> edge rusher Trey Hendrickson leads the way, and he\u2019s been the more accomplished player since Crosby entered the league. Hendrickson\u2019s age and last year\u2019s injury are cause for concern, but when he\u2019s been on the field, he\u2019s been the better pass rusher, and he could be signed for less Crosby.<\/p>\n Younger, quality options include the Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, and Jaelan Phillips, who split his time with the Miami Dolphins<\/a> and Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> last season. Phillips could be a top option because of his familiarity with Parker and his defensive scheme.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Cowboys could also swing a trade at a lower cost for Jonathan Greenard of the Minnesota Vikings<\/a>, who have shown a willingness to deal their top pass rusher<\/a>. Greenard had back-to-back, double-digit sacks season in 2023 and 2024 before a shoulder injury limited his effectiveness in a subpar 2025 campaign. Greenard was also coached by current Cowboys\u2019 defensive line coach Marcus Dixon last year in Minnesota.<\/p>\n If the Cowboys can\u2019t get a deal with any of those options, the older pass rushers who are available include Joey Bosa, Haason Reddick, and Khalil Mack. The best of that bunch could be Mack, who\u2019s still productive, even though he\u2019s 35 years old.<\/p>\n None of the veterans are top edges anymore, but they\u2019re significantly cheaper than Crosby and can help as designated pass rushers.<\/p>\n Crosby is the best pass rusher the Cowboys can add this offseason, but not at the current suggested cost. There\u2019s no reason to pay a premium when there are other options and the team isn\u2019t one player away from being a Super Bowl contender.<\/p>\n Yes, to Crosby, at the right price. No, to trading away two first-round picks and a player. The Cowboys would be better off passing on that deal.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772778435_349_86373428007-square-1.jpg\")