We are just a couple of weeks out from the start of the 2025 NFL playoffs, and the Patriots are finally a team back competing for a Super Bowl, as they did for two decades during their impressive dynasty. It's quite a turn of events for a year that was predominantly predicted to be another stinker, as analysts believed they'd just maybe double their previous win record.
And because of that, there hasn't been a hyperfocus on next offseason or the 2026 Draft, which has dominated the conversation surrounding New England at this point in the season for the past two years. But that doesn't mean there aren't intriguing players to already dream about, with the latest being Raiders' superstar pass rusher, Maxx Crosby.
He hadn't been a player on any team's radar until insiders revealed details about some new drama brewing behind the scenes after the Raiders decided to end his season before their Week 17 matchup against the Giants. Crosby was so upset that he left the facility, immediately prompting trade rumors well ahead of the offseason.
Fortunately for the Patriots, a deal wouldn't be too outrageous to get done, and they have every reason to inquire and make a solid offer.
The Patriots might have a good chance to trade for Maxx Crosby in 2026
Because Crosby will become a hot commodity if the Raiders actually make him available via trade this spring, teams from every team in the league have already been looking into whether their team can afford to get it done.
The Patriots are one of the teams that need an improved pass rush, with Harold Landry III leading the team with the most sacks (8.5), and Crosby would be one of the best options they could potentially acquire.
Not only is he just 28 years old and coming off a season in which he recorded 10 sacks in 12 games, but his current contract is friendly for the Raiders to trade away and the Patriots to take on, making it an even more appealing move for Mike Vrabel and Co. to seriously consider.
Maxx Crosby contract is extremely tradable. Only $5M dead on the Raiders side. Inheriting team has $30M guaranteed in 2026, which is no problem. The rest of the contract is just $28M team options.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 26, 2025
Both teams incentivized to move on. Gone. pic.twitter.com/Cd6oOTk586
At this point, Over the Cap estimates that New England will have $47.993 million in cap space available in 2026, so taking on Crosby's contract can be done, and there is still money left over.
Of course, taking on his contract is a huge chunk of that, so that's not ideal, but more moves can be made to create more cap space to get more players they need in the door.
That gives them absolutely no reason not to seriously pursue Crosby if he becomes available, or even if the Raiders are still unsure they're willing to move on. And fortunately for the Patriots, the pass rusher is on record saying former Raiders head coach is "his guy" and that he "respects the hell out of him."
Considering how McDaniels' tenure in Las Vegas ended, that's saying a lot and doesn't seem to be something that would become a problem if the Patriots were the frontrunner in a trade scenario.
On top of all that, it looks like Foxboro is already becoming a place players want to play because of Drake Maye and Vrabel, so getting someone like Crosby in the door would be huge in many ways and could draw more superstars to the team.
It won't be cheap to get a deal done, but it would be worth what they'd get out of Crosby on the field, especially if they're getting this close to making the Super Bowl.