The New England Patriots are reportedly considering a trade involving star edge rusher Maxx Crosby as they prepare to strengthen their lineup for another Super Bowl pursuit. Rumors have circulated that Crosby is open to leaving the Las Vegas Raiders after expressing frustration with the team’s rebuilding efforts and recent handling of his knee injury.
Insider Albert Breer of The MMQB revealed that Crosby’s relationship with the Raiders’ leadership deteriorated following the team’s decision to shut him down for the remainder of the 2025 season due to a knee issue. This move, communicated in December, left Crosby feeling sidelined and questioning his future with the franchise.
Fractured Communication with Raiders’ Management Deepens Rift
Breer explained the complexities within the Raiders’ organization, highlighting the involvement of Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero, the team’s wellness coordinator and Brady’s longtime trainer. The way the injury was handled contributed significantly to Crosby’s dissatisfaction.
“There’s a lot of fence-mending that’s going to need to happen if the Raiders are going to hang on to Maxx Crosby,”
Breer said on the Early Edition podcast.
“It goes all the way to the top of the organization with Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero. The way the communication happened with the injury in December left a mark.”
The breakdown in trust extends beyond team executives to include the wellness staff, as Crosby suspected the shutdown was a strategic move to improve the Raiders’ draft position.
“Maxx had strong suspicion that the reason they were doing it was to tank for the No. 1 overall pick, which worked. But the communication of it got fouled up. And a lot of people in that building report to Alex Guerrero now, and Alex is seen as the eyes and ears of Tom Brady internally, so there is some fence-mending that would have to happen there.”
Albert Breer
Crosby, who has earned a reputation as a loyal Raider and respected Mark Davis, reportedly feels betrayed and is eager to pursue opportunities that better align with his championship ambitions.
“This is a guy who’s incredibly loyal to the Raiders organization, wanted to spend his entire career there, and is loyal to Mark Davis as well. Now, he feels betrayed, and I think that there is this feeling, ‘I’m 28 years old, they didn’t do right by me, so now it’s time for me to go find a way to win.’”
Albert Breer
Patriots Positioned as a Top Destination for Crosby
If a trade is on the horizon, the New England Patriots represent an ideal destination for Crosby. Coming off a strong AFC championship season, the Patriots are actively seeking to enhance their pass rush and defensive line, which could position them among the league’s most intimidating units. Crosby’s addition would be a significant boost to New England’s defense.
Head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who previously coached Crosby, are factors that could attract the edge rusher to the Patriots.
“My understanding is there are a bunch of contenders that have already at least signaled interest,”
Breer noted.
“I think the Patriots will be one of them, and I would say that for that player in particular, Mike Vrabel is a draw. They have somebody on staff in Josh McDaniels, who coached him.”
“There’s some scheme fit stuff there too, which, who isn’t Maxx Crosby a scheme fit for? It would make a lot of sense, so if there was somebody that I think they could trade for, I think Maxx would be it.”
Albert Breer
Crosby’s Performance and Impact Potential on Patriots’ Defense
Prior to his injury, Crosby delivered impressive numbers, totaling 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and forcing two fumbles over 15 games last year. Over seven NFL seasons, Crosby has amassed 69.5 sacks and maintained notable durability apart from his recent knee setback.
Phil Perry, a Patriots insider at NBC Sports Boston, emphasized the acquisition‘s potential impact.
“This would be a phenomenal acquisition if they’re able to do it,”
Perry said.
“They’ve got all kinds of money. This is a time to be aggressive. You’ve got your quarterback on a rookie type of contract. You have two defensive tackles under contract that are really high-level disruptors, and if you can put a high-level edge player with them, that would form maybe the best defensive front in football.”
What This Means for the Patriots’ Upcoming Offseason
Following an impressive 2025 campaign, Mike Vrabel faces a busy offseason focused on building a championship-caliber team. The Patriots’ newfound success and strong organizational structure should make it easier to attract top-tier talent this spring, with the possible addition of Maxx Crosby representing a major step forward in the team’s goals.
