gs. UNREALISTIC PROPOSAL: Cowboys offered chance to ACQUIRE 6-time Pro Bowl star in a HISTORIC $160 MILLION trade

The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads, with rumors swirling about potential blockbuster trades to bolster their pass rush in the wake of moving on from star defender Micah Parsons. Among the names linked to Dallas, one stands out as a tantalizing yet highly improbable target: Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett, a six-time Pro Bowl defensive end and the 2023 NFL Defensive MVP. A proposed trade, outlined by USA Today’s Angel Torres, has sparked debate about whether the Cowboys could pull off a historic deal to land the premier pass rusher, whose recent four-year, $160 million contract extension makes him one of the league’s most coveted—and expensive—talents.

A Blockbuster Trade Proposal for Myles Garrett

Torres, in an October 21, 2025, article titled “5 big-name defenders Cowboys could try to trade for include All-Pro DE, DTs, LB, Safety,” floated a trade package that would see Dallas acquire Garrett in exchange for a trio of future draft picks: a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The deal, while intriguing for Cowboys fans, is labeled a “bonus” target due to its unlikelihood, given Cleveland’s firm stance on retaining their defensive cornerstone.

“There is only one player that could make the sting of losing edge Micah Parsons go away, and that guy is Texas native Myles Garrett,” Torres wrote. “Garrett is arguably the premier defensive end in the league, and adding him to this defense would undoubtedly put pressure on opposing offensive coordinators to have a plan for stopping the 2023 defensive MVP and four-time All-Pro edge player.”

Garrett, a Texas native, has consistently been a game-wrecker, with his blend of speed, power, and technique making him a nightmare for quarterbacks. His addition to Dallas’ defense could elevate an already talented unit, creating a formidable front alongside players like DeMarcus Lawrence. However, the financial and logistical hurdles of such a trade make it a long shot.

Financial Roadblocks: Garrett’s $160 Million Contract

The biggest obstacle to this trade is Garrett’s massive contract. Signed in 2025, his four-year, $160 million extension keeps him under contract with Cleveland through the 2030 season. For the Cowboys, who reportedly traded Parsons to avoid committing to a lucrative extension, taking on a 30-year-old defender with such a hefty deal seems counterintuitive. Owner Jerry Jones’ reluctance to pay top dollar for Parsons suggests Dallas may balk at inheriting Garrett’s contract, which carries significant cap implications.

Additionally, Cleveland faces its own financial constraints. Trading Garrett would accelerate $40 million in dead money onto the Browns’ already strained 2026 salary cap, a move that Torres notes could deter the franchise from parting with their best player. Despite another losing season and pressure on the Browns’ coaching staff, Cleveland has repeatedly rebuffed trade inquiries for Garrett, who publicly lobbied for a trade during the offseason but has since remained a focal point of their defense.

Cowboys’ Interest in Other Pass Rushers: Maxx Crosby Rumors

While Garrett remains a dream acquisition, the Cowboys have also been linked to Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. Former ESPN analyst Trey Wingo reported that Dallas inquired about Crosby, another elite pass rusher known for his relentless motor and disruptive play. However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on October 21, 2025, that the Raiders met with Crosby to affirm their commitment to keeping him, stating they “aren’t shopping him and won’t trade him.” Crosby, a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense, reportedly wants to stay in Las Vegas, further dimming the prospects of a trade to Dallas.

Why the Garrett Trade Is Unrealistic

While the idea of Myles Garrett donning the Cowboys’ star is electrifying, several factors make this proposal more fantasy than reality. First, Cleveland’s unwillingness to trade their franchise player, combined with the cap hit, creates a steep barrier. Second, Dallas’ apparent strategy of avoiding high-cost contracts for aging defenders—evidenced by their Parsons trade—suggests they may not be willing to absorb Garrett’s deal. Finally, the draft capital required, while significant, may not be enough to sway the Browns, who view Garrett as the heart of their defense.

For Cowboys fans, the notion of landing a six-time Pro Bowler and perennial All-Pro like Garrett is a thrilling prospect, but it remains a pipe dream. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, Dallas may need to explore more realistic options to fill the void left by Parsons and strengthen their pass rush.