Now that the Patriots' offseason is in full swing, analysts and fans have shifted their focus to who they can add to their roster to boost their chances of making another Super Bowl run in 2026, and the main name that continues to be brought up is pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Because there have been plenty of rumors suggesting that he is going to be traded this offseason, mainly due to an alleged falling out with the Raiders over an injury, there is a growing excitement within New England about finally adding a superstar pass rusher to their defensive line, and Crosby fits the bill.
But all the discussion surrounding his future in Las Vegas or elsewhere continues to conflict, with the latest from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer emphasizing Crosby's loyalty to the Raiders, while also noting a possible conflict with ownership as a leading reason he wants out.
"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. 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.
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.' "
That certainly opens the door for the Patriots to get on the phone, but new head coach Klint Kubiak might be the difference-maker in keeping Crosby around.
Conflicting rumors about Maxx Crosby's future in Las Vegas makes it hard to predict the Patriots' trade chances
During his introductory press conference earlier this week, Kubiak was asked about Crosby's future with the Raiders, and, of course, the new head coach didn't shy away from stating his desire to keep the impressive sack artist around.
"I got to drink a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning. Loved talking ball with him, and look forward to continuing those conversations.
We want him to be a part of our success going forward, and there's no doubt about that. He's one of the best players in the NFL, so that's a no-brainer, to get to work with Maxx and to see him continue to have success with this organization."
While it's unsurprising to hear this from any head coach, especially one who was just hired to take over a team, Kubiak could influence Crosby to stay and ruin any plans the Patriots have to make an offer to get him in the door.
Rumors suggest that teams like the Seahawks have already made substantial offers (including multiple first-rounders) that were turned down, which is also a concern for New England's chances. But nothing is impossible in the NFL, and there's a good chance, even if small, that Crosby can be moved.
He would fill a missing piece on the Patriots' defense and put the group over the top. Most of the players from the 2025 season are set to return, so adding someone of his caliber would immediately make them one of the best groups in the league.
It won't be cheap and they might have to push to even have a legitimate conversation, but there's no reason for Vrabel and Co. not to go hard to make it happen.