So, it seems Dallas Cowboys fans, content creators, and media members can’t stop talking about a potential Maxx Crosby trade ahead of free agency. More specifically, the latest debate is all about compensation.

Getting Crosby on your defense, obviously, sounds good. The question remains, at what cost? The discussion appears to have intensified after some betting markets briefly positioned the Cowboys as a favorite to land the Las Vegas Raiders superstar (which quickly changed to the Chicago Bears). Let’s discuss.

The problem with giving up two first-round picks

Let’s start with what the Raiders are looking for to part ways with Crosby.

Initial reports indicated they had their eyes set on a haul similar to what the Cowboys got for Micah Parsons: two first-round picks and a Pro Bowler.

But there are some problems with the idea of giving up two first-round draft picks. Let’s start with Crosby.

He will be 29 years old when the season starts and he’s ended the last couple of seasons with surgery. Not to mention, while he is one of the best defenders in the league, Parsons is on pace for a historic career. And yet, adding an elite player like Crosby is likely to be more impactful for the Cowboys defense than whichever two rookies they can add with the No. 12 and 20 overall picks.

That doesn’t mean he’s the solution to the Cowboys’ woes. In addition to needing an upgrade at edge rusher, Dallas also needs linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties. Does giving up two first-round picks to pay Crosby a $30 million salary keep the front office from being aggressive beyond this potential move?

That’s the biggest question.

How sure are the Cowboys about busting the budget?

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently talked about busting the budget this offseason. Making what would be an enormous gamble on Crosby would be the splash move that buys Jones the right to make a victory lap.

But it would only partially fix the defense. Which leads me to this: If the Cowboys make this happen, are they still willing to target a starting-caliber LB like Nakobe Dean, or a CB like Alontae Taylor?

If the answer is yes, parting ways with their two first-round picks isn’t that scary. If acquiring Crosby is the only starting-caliber move they’ll make, filling the defensive needs becomes an even bigger concern.

It all comes down to how much they’re willing to do beyond a potential trade for Crosby.

Alternative trade compensation packages

Though two 2026 first-round picks is the biggest advantage Dallas has in the Crosby sweepstakes, there are other avenues they could consider in terms of a trade offer. Below are a couple of possibilities that could make sense in terms of value:

• 2026 first-round pick (No. 20 or No. 12), 2027 first-round pick
• 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, DT Osa Odighizuwa

NFL insider Albert Breer recently shared he’s leaning toward a Crosby trade happening, mentioning he believes the Cowboys will “at least kick the tires” on him.

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