Injury to Ashton Jeanty could change Raiders' plans and 'send' Maxx Crosby to the Cowboys

The Las Vegas Raiders suddenly have another reason to think about the future after Ashton Jeanty ’s ankle injury, and one proposed solution involves a move that would dramatically reshape both sides of the ball.

Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. has urged Las Vegas to reopen trade discussions involving Maxx Crosby , arguing that the Raiders could send their All-Pro pass rusher to the Dallas Cowboys and begin positioning themselves for Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith in the 2027 NFL Draft.

“With Jeanty hurt, the Raiders might as well trade Maxx Crosby to the Dallas cowboys now and work on getting Jeremiah Smith at the top of the draft,” Hill wrote on X.

The suggestion comes after Jeanty suffered what has been reported as a sprained ankle, creating immediate concern around an offense already facing questions at wide receiver.

Trading Crosby would be an enormous decision, but Dallas has already demonstrated serious interest.

The Cowboys reportedly made three attempts to acquire him during the offseason, with one offer including the No.12 overall pick in the 2026 draft and a 2027 second-round selection.

Baltimore eventually offered two first-round picks, although that proposed deal collapsed after Crosby failed a physical.

Cowboys could get another chance at Crosby

With Baltimore no longer involved, the possibility of Dallas returning to the table has resurfaced. Crosby remains the highest-paid player on the Raiders ’ roster, carrying a $35.79 million cap charge.

Moving him would cost Las Vegas one of the league’s best defensive players, but it could also deliver the premium draft capital needed to accelerate a long-term rebuild.

The Cowboys have already strengthened their pass rush by adding Rashan Gary , although Crosby would provide an entirely different level of established production and could become the centerpiece of their defensive front.

Dallas’ previous willingness to surrender major draft assets also makes it an obvious destination if Las Vegas decides to listen before the November 10 trade deadline.

Jeremiah Smith could transform Raiders offense

The other half of the proposal centers on Smith , one of the most highly regarded players expected to be available in the 2027 draft.

Smith is primarily an elite wide receiver rather than a conventional replacement for Jeanty, although the original proposal imagines Klint Kubiak finding creative ways to use him from the backfield while also making him the Raiders ’ No.1 receiving weapon.

That could be particularly attractive for quarterback Fernando Mendoza , who would gain a potentially dominant target as Las Vegas attempts to build its offense around younger talent.

Kubiak has already expressed disappointment with his receivers following their performance against Houston, adding further weight to the argument that Las Vegas could eventually prioritize an explosive playmaker.

“If this truly is a precursor to how their actual season will go, it should be Jeremiah Smith they look to draft already in 2027,” Marissa Myers wrote for TWSN.

None of that means a Crosby trade is imminent. There is currently no indication that the Raiders are actively shopping him. Still, Jeanty ’s injury has reopened a larger question about Las Vegas’ timeline.

If the season begins moving in the wrong direction, turning Crosby into premium draft capital could become one of the biggest decisions of the NFL trade deadline.