The New England Patriots are positioned to make a bold move this offseason by pursuing star edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. Following one of their strongest offseasons in recent years, which included hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach and building a competitive roster that reached the Super Bowl, the Patriots seek to maintain their upward trajectory. Crosby’s public dissatisfaction with the Raiders and the fractured relationship with the organization provide a potential opening for New England to acquire the elite defensive end.
Crosby has grown unhappy with how the Raiders handled his lingering knee injury throughout the previous season, particularly being shut down for the final two games without his agreement. Reports from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer indicate that this decision severely damaged trust between Crosby and key figures within the Raiders, including owner Mark Davis and team executives Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero. Crosby, who once aimed to spend his entire career in Las Vegas, now feels betrayed by the franchise.
Trade Discussions Center Around Crosby’s Desire and Raiders’ Position
Despite not officially requesting a trade, Crosby’s frustrations are well known internally, and owner Mark Davis has publicly acknowledged the tension but remains optimistic about retaining him. Yet, insiders like The Athletic’s Dianna Russini suggest Crosby is eager to reunite with Mike Vrabel and the Patriots.
“Maxx Crosby doesn’t seem too happy in Las Vegas… I can tell you that I know he wants to play for Mike Vrabel, he’s told me before.” Dianna Russini, The Athletic
In addition to his admiration for Vrabel’s leadership, Crosby previously worked with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during McDaniels’s tenure as Raiders head coach in 2022-23. During that stretch, Crosby recorded an impressive 27 sacks and earned top-six finishes twice in the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Given Crosby’s dominance and aggressive play style, he would be a natural fit for New England’s defense, although acquiring him will come with significant challenges. Crosby is locked into a lucrative contract through 2029 that guarantees $95 million, making any trade a complex financial and strategic decision for the Raiders.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders would likely require an offer resembling the trade for Micah Parsons, which involved multiple first-round picks and a key defensive player—highlighting the high price for a player of Crosby’s caliber.
Patriots Poised with Valuable Assets to Pursue Crosby
With their recent Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots hold the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This late first-round selection could be part of an attractive trade package for the Raiders. Given its position near the draft’s end, parting with this pick would be less detrimental if it secures Crosby’s services. The Patriots might also need to include additional draft selections or players to finalize a deal.
According to sources, a potential package to land Crosby may involve the 2026 first-round pick, a future second-round pick, and defensive tackle Christian Barmore. Barmore has shown promise and could be a valuable trade chip in negotiations.
New England’s current edge rusher group still has room for enhancement. Harold Landry, signed last offseason for $45 million over three years, battled a knee injury for much of the previous season but still led the team in sacks. Landry’s return and leadership as a team captain reflect the team’s depth, but further upgrades are needed to solidify the pass rush.
K’Lavon Chaisson, another key linebacker signed on a one-year deal, delivered a career-best season, excelling with pressure and sacks and proving capable in the team’s high-pressure defensive scheme. He has earned a re-signing opportunity through his performance in the playoffs.
How Adding Crosby Could Transform New England’s Defensive Front
The addition of Crosby would elevate the Patriots’ defense considerably, pairing him alongside Chaisson on one side and promising players like Milton Williams on the other. This trio would strengthen the defensive line and improve quarterback pressure, a vital component to sustaining postseason success.
Crosby also shares recent playing history with Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane and Chaisson, which could accelerate on-field chemistry and team cohesion. His arrival would reinforce New England as an attractive destination for other free agents and veterans who respect the rapid progress Vrabel has made in his first year as head coach.
While no trade involving a player of Crosby’s talent comes without risks, the Patriots must weigh those risks against the chance to remain Super Bowl contenders in the coming years. Making a decisive move for Crosby could mark the difference between being participants and true favorites in the pursuit of Super Bowl 61.
Scoopage: Raiders told Maxx Crosby they want to shut him down last two games. Crosby, who has played with injuries for much of the year, vehemently disagreed and has left the building @nflonfox has learned. This could lead to questions on his future in Vegas
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 26, 2025
Russini: Maxx Crosby Wants to Play for Vrabel@zoandbertrand #sponsored #kecheslawpartner pic.twitter.com/NdsO4hIusf
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) February 4, 2026
"I think there's a feeling around the league that Maxx Crosby would like to be traded..
I know that the Las Vegas Raiders would prefer not to trade him..
I was told it would take a Micah Parsons like package to even consider dealing Maxx Crosby"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/unDCL0qhrK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 9, 2026
Should the Patriots pay up for Maxx Crosby?
It took some convincing, but @MikeReiss is in. @ZoandBertrand @scottzolak @Tim_McKone @TMorgan985 @tylermilliken_ @ColinKennedy__ pic.twitter.com/H03pjjcdiE
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) February 11, 2026
