Maxx Crosby said to have deliberately hit Kirk Cousins for surprising reason

A training camp scuffle between Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby and Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has sparked a wild theory, courtesy of former NBA player Joe Johnson. He suggested that Crosby targeted Cousins on purpose, hoping to get himself traded to Dallas.

The incident happened during a Friday practice session. Crosby struck Cousins twice on his throwing arm, prompting the veteran quarterback to immediately confront him about the excessive contact. What might otherwise be dismissed as routine training camp physicality quickly became fodder for a much bigger conversation.

Johnson claims Maxx Crosby hit Kirk Cousins on purpose

Johnson floated the idea on the Nightcap show, claiming the whole thing was deliberate. An avowed Cowboys fan, he was unapologetic about where his loyalties lie.

"Y'all know Crosby want to be in Dallas," Johnson said. "He hit the quarterback on purpose." His argument: Crosby intentionally antagonized Cousins to force the Raiders' hand and engineer a trade out of Las Vegas before the season starts.

Co-host Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) wasn't buying it, pushing back on the trade narrative during the broadcast. And to be fair, it's a hard sell. Deliberately going after your own team's quarterback to manipulate a front office is the kind of scorched-earth move that would likely end a career rather than redirect one.

What gives Johnson's theory at least a shred of plausibility is that Dallas genuinely pursued Crosby this offseason, and aggressively. The Cowboys initially offered defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and the 20th overall pick. When that wasn't enough, they came back with the 12th pick and a future second-rounder. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the team didn't walk away from negotiations.

The deal ultimately collapsed after Crosby underwent knee surgery and failed his physical with the Baltimore Ravens, who were involved as a trade partner. Crosby also has deep Texas roots, having attended Colleyville Heritage High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which only adds fuel to the speculation.

Cowboys desperately need a pass rusher

The Cowboys' desperation for pass rush help makes sense when you look at their 2025 defensive numbers. Dallas finished dead last in passing yards allowed, giving up 251.1 yards per game through the air while surrendering 30.1 points per contest.

Over his career, Crosby has led the league in tackles for loss twice. His ability to wreak havoc in the backfield is exactly the kind of difference-maker the Cowboys' defense lacks. He has also spoken publicly about his respect for Dak Prescott, praising the quarterback's command of the offense.

Crosby has said the trade speculation has not changed his focus, and for now he remains a Raider. The practice altercation is more likely a reflection of a competitive player going hard during camp than any kind of calculated exit strategy. Still, if the Cowboys haven't closed the door entirely, this offseason saga probably has another chapter or two left before the season opener.

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