By Moses Joshua 
A potential 2026 blockbuster involving Maxx Crosby could reshape the NFC power structure and ignite a fierce bidding war among three contenders desperate for pass-rush help.
The One Missing Piece for Three NFC Contenders
Every Super Bowl contender has a weakness. For the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions, that weakness is becoming impossible to ignore — consistent, game-changing pressure off the edge.
The Lions gambled on internal growth this season, believing Al-Quadin Muhammad could be the long-term complement to Aidan Hutchinson. After a promising start, that bet has unraveled. Hutchinson remains elite, but the lack of a second dominant threat has allowed opposing offenses to dictate protections and neutralize Detroit’s pressure.
Dallas, meanwhile, is still living with the shockwaves of trading Micah Parsons. The Cowboys hoped their system and rotation could manufacture production, but no one has come close to replacing Parsons’ ability to wreck a game in seconds.
Philadelphia made the most aggressive move of the three, acquiring Jaelan Phillips from Miami. But with Phillips set to hit free agency in 2026, the Eagles still face uncertainty beyond the short term — and their championship window demands urgency.
Why Maxx Crosby Changes Everything
That’s why one name is quietly rising to the top of every front office wish list: Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Raiders star has been labeled a potential 2026 trade candidate, even though both the team and the player have publicly shown no interest in parting ways — for now. But football realities have a way of shifting priorities.
Las Vegas is mired in another losing season under first-year head coach Pete Carroll. With little tangible progress and a roster in need of a full-scale rebuild, the franchise may soon be forced to choose between loyalty and long-term sustainability. Crosby, a perennial All-Pro level disruptor, represents their most valuable trade asset.
If Crosby ever signals a desire to chase a ring, league insiders widely believe the Raiders would honor his wishes — especially if doing so could flood their rebuild with premium draft capital.
Cowboys Hold the Trade-Ammo Advantage
Among the three suitors, Dallas may already hold the strongest hand.
The Cowboys reportedly explored adding a premier edge rusher before the last trade deadline, and Crosby was among the names quietly linked to them. More importantly, Dallas owns two first-round picks in 2026, giving them unmatched leverage in a potential bidding war.
Not only that — their own first-round selection is currently projected to be higher than both Detroit’s and Philadelphia’s, making their offer even more appealing to a rebuilding Raiders team. A Crosby package is expected to start with at least one first-round pick and escalate from there.
If a star defender truly becomes available, Dallas won’t hesitate.
Can Detroit and Philly Still Make a Run?
Detroit’s situation is trickier. The Lions aren’t projected to have much financial flexibility in 2026, but franchises chasing their first Super Bowl don’t always play it safe. If Detroit falls short again in 2025, ownership could push for an aggressive, cap-bending move to finally give Hutchinson the elite partner he’s never had.
Philadelphia, of course, operates under the bold blueprint of general manager Howie Roseman. If history proves anything, it’s that Roseman never backs away from blockbuster swings. Reports previously suggested he was willing to offer a massive haul for Myles Garrett. That same mindset would absolutely apply to Crosby if the door ever cracks open.
The Dominos That Could Fall in 2026
Right now, this is still labeled as speculation. Crosby hasn’t demanded a trade. The Raiders haven’t dangled him. But the NFL moves fast, and team trajectories change even faster.
If Las Vegas stumbles again next season…
If Crosby grows weary of rebuilding…
If just one contender makes the first call…
Then one of the NFL’s most destructive defenders could be on the move — and the Cowboys, Eagles, and Lions are already lining up for the fight.
One trade. One pass rusher. And potentially, one franchise-altering shift in the NFC power balance.