The Dallas Cowboys could make a major move to fix their struggling defense before the November 10 NFL trade deadline. After starting the 2026 season 2-4, Dallas has struggled to get opposing quarterbacks on the ground, recording just eight sacks through six games. The team’s defense also ranks second-last in PFN’s NFL Defense Impact metric, with a 69.0 grade.

With the Cowboys in need of help on the defensive line, NFL reporter Jason La Canfora has identified Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby as a potential blockbuster target.

Jason La Canfora Reveals Cowboys’ Potential Trade Plans

Crosby remains one of the biggest names Dallas could pursue before the deadline. The five-time Pro Bowler has attracted interest because of his ability to pressure quarterbacks, and the Cowboys have reportedly shown interest in acquiring him in the past.

Dallas has already shown serious interest in Crosby, with Jones acknowledging earlier this year that the Cowboys were in the mix to acquire him. Dallas has also restructured contracts to create more salary-cap flexibility, which could help the team explore a major trade if Las Vegas is willing to negotiate.

Speaking on Casino Guru News, La Canfora said, “Maxx Crosby is the big fish there with the Raiders, and trust me, Jerry [Jones] has a very strong relationship with Raiders owner Mark Davis, and he’ll be talking to him too.”

A deal for Crosby would likely require a significant package of draft picks and possibly other assets. However, adding a player of his caliber could give Dallas’ struggling defense a much-needed boost.

Josh Sweat Could Be a More Realistic Option

While Crosby would be the headline-grabbing move, La Canfora believes the Cowboys could also pursue Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat.

Sweat could be a more realistic target as Dallas looks for an experienced pass rusher without necessarily making a blockbuster offer. La Canfora said NFL teams are trying to pry Sweat away from Arizona, with Jerry and Stephen Jones expected to be near the head of the list.

“Josh Sweat is someone NFL teams are trying to pry at, and Jerry and Stephen Jones will be at the head of that list… the sense we’re getting from our sources is Josh Sweat could be the guy, and that’s a trade that certainly could happen well before the trade deadline,” he said.

New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is another name Dallas could monitor as the deadline approaches. Depending on the Giants’ plans, the former top-five draft pick could become available in exchange for draft compensation.

The Cowboys next face the Philadelphia Eagles, giving their defense another difficult test.