Cowboys, Eagles and Lions Set for Explosive Bidding War Over $106.5 Million Superstar

Cowboys, Eagles, Lions Could Battle for $106.5 Million Offseason Trade Prize

Three NFC contenders — the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions — are shaping up as prime suitors for one of the biggest potential moves of the 2026 offseason: adding a true game-changing edge rusher.

Detroit entered this season believing its pass rush was set, leaning on Al-Quadin Muhammad to complement Aidan Hutchinson. But after a brief early-season spark, Muhammad has looked more like the career backup he has always been, and the Lions’ front-seven pressure has fallen flat as a result.

Dallas, meanwhile, is still reeling from the blockbuster deal that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys have yet to add anyone even remotely capable of replacing Parsons’ production, and multiple reports suggested they explored pass-rushing help at the deadline — though nothing materialized.

As for Philadelphia, the Eagles bolstered their edge rotation with the acquisition of Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins, but Phillips will be a free agent in 2026. Even if he stays long-term, the Eagles still need added firepower on the edge.

One name all three franchises are expected to monitor closely: Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who was recently identified by NFL Trade Rumors’ Logan Ulrich as a possible trade candidate heading into 2026.

Ulrich notes that the Raiders have publicly resisted any talk of trading Crosby, and the Pro Bowler himself has expressed no desire to leave. But after yet another disastrous season with no signs of improvement under first-year head coach Pete Carroll, Crosby could eventually decide he wants out — especially if a contending team comes calling.

If he does ask for a move, Las Vegas would likely respect his wishes. With the franchise desperate for draft capital to fuel a rebuild, a Crosby deal could help accelerate the process.

The Cowboys reportedly made an attempt to land Crosby before this year’s deadline, so they’re expected to re-enter the conversation immediately if he becomes available. Detroit’s cap situation for 2026 isn’t ideal, but if the Lions disappoint next season, they may feel pressure to swing big to elevate their Super Bowl odds.

And you can never count out Eagles GM Howie Roseman, who is known for chasing splash trades. Rumors already connected him to a potential “all-in” pursuit of Browns superstar Myles Garrett, proving he’s willing to make aggressive offers when elite talent becomes available.

A hypothetical Crosby deal could easily begin with a first-round pick — and likely more. Dallas, holding two first-rounders in 2026, is better positioned than both Detroit and Philadelphia to outbid rivals. Plus, the Cowboys’ own projected first-round pick is trending higher than those of the Eagles and Lions, making them an even more attractive trade partner for a rebuilding Raiders squad.