The Cowboys might be better off steering clear of the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes.

Las Vegas Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs – NFL 2025 | Michael Owens/GettyImages

Over the past week or so, the Dallas Cowboys’ alleged interest in trading for star Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby has been one of the biggest storylines around the National Football League. However, that doesn’t mean a move is imminent even though the NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away.

If anything, the Raiders reportedly told Crosby that they’re not going to trade him. More than that, he has openly talked about his desire to stay with the Raiders for the long run. Also, even if they were to trade him, they would most likely fetch a massive return for his services.

With that in mind, it might make much more sense to find a familiar face in free agency. Carl Lawson should be a much cheaper pickup, and he played pretty well for this team last season, even becoming a bit of a fan favorite.

Cowboys Must Favor Signing Carl Lawson Over a Maxx Crosby Trade

Notably, it also seems like Lawson would be more than glad to return to Arlington. When Cowboys podcaster Voch Lombardi claimed that they should make a run at him on social media, Lawson actually seemed to be on board with the idea:

“Very thankful for the opportunity I got in Dallas last year. Actually believe I’m twice the player I was even last year with a healthy offseason. Love the city. However, Houston and Ezeiruaku are only just scratching the surface. Have faith, Voch,” Lawson wrote on X.

Lawson is also familiar with Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton from their days with the New York Jets. That should make him a seamless fit to Matt Eberflus’ defensive system, and this team certainly needs some help in that department. Crosby, on the other hand, would have to get settled in and ease into the new system, and the Cowboys need immediate help to turn their struggling defense around.

The Green Bay Packers traded a serviceable starter like Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to get Micah Parsons, and while the Raiders won’t get that type of return for Crosby, they would most likely demand one first-round selection at the very least. Considering that, it might be better to solve their pass-rushing woes in free agency, which is something they’ve been trying to do for months now.

Bringing back Dante Fowler Jr. hasn’t done much to help, and veteran Jadeveon Clowney hasn’t made much of an impact, either. Sam Williams has struggled mightily as well, failing to get back to his promising level from the early stages of his career.

If the Cowboys still don’t feel ready to give rookie pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku a longer leash, then Lawson certainly makes sense as a mid-season pickup. He made 15 appearances (three starts) last season, logging 15 total tackles (seven solo) to go along with 15 QB hits, four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble.

Of course, it goes without saying that Lawson is not on the same level as Crosby. But Crosby’s history of injuries, steep salary, and even higher potential asking price might not be in the Cowboys’ best interests right now, making Lawson the better option.