With the season's trade deadline just a week away, Patriots fans are looking to improve this year's roster. With limited cap space and several injuries, a trade makes sense, but anything substantial seems out of the question.
That would presumably rule them out of contention for Maxx Crosby if he became available, despite their need for more pass rush help. But now the latest reports from NFL insiders suggest an even lower chance that the Patriots could make a big splash this year.
Rumors claimed Mike Vrabel and Co. were at least interested in Crosby this past offseason before he was traded to the Ravens and then returned to the Raiders. Given the draft capital included in the deal, it was fair to assume the Patriots weren't willing to give it up, even for a player of Crosby's caliber.
Because the trade was rescinded due to lingering injuries, insiders believed the Raiders would try to trade him again before the deadline, which would also lower his price tag.
While that might be true, Adam Schefter has reported that Las Vegas is not actively shopping their superstar pass rusher, giving the Patriots another reason to cross him off the list.
A dream trade for Maxx Crosby is not going to happen for the Patriots, even if they wanted it
With Harold Landry's future up in the air, with only a few updates from Vrabel on his status or whether he will play this season, the roster currently has pass rushers who bring plenty of pressure but don't translate to sacks. So the Patriots need help on their defensive line.
Crosby would be a tremendous help, even if his current production doesn't suggest it. But the Raiders' apparent desperation to move him earlier this year isn't being felt by NFL insiders ahead of the trade deadline, so the Patriots will have to turn their attention elsewhere.
There are a number of others they could inquire about before November 10, as several could immediately improve their defense, but it'll come down to what the front office is willing to give up to make a deal done.
If they weren't willing to trade significant draft capital for Crosby, and based on what the Ravens initially sent for him, it would be easy to believe Vrabel and Co. have no interest in matching that kind of offer, there are other pass rushers they could focus on instead.
The most prominent name continues to be Khalil Mack, who is in the midst of a throwaway season with the Chargers, who went into Week 8 without a single win. The same can be said about his teammate Tuli Tuipulotu, both of whom could be had for a much more affordable price.
Other available pass rushers can bring the help the Patriots need the rest of the season
The current list of likely available pass rushers puts Mack and Tuipulotu at the top, since the Chargers' season has been an absolute disaster and they'll need to add more picks to their stockpile of draft picks to turn things around for the franchise.
A mid-round pick for either player would probably get a deal done for the Patriots, and both would be an immediate upgrade who could make the kind of impact their defense needs. Although it might not match the productivity that Crosby would inevitably bring, there's an upside to bringing either in.
Tuipulotu has recorded 26 combined tackles, 2 for a loss, 9 quarterback hits, an interception, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 2 sacks.
Mack isn't far behind, with 19 combined tackles, 5 for a loss, 6 quarterback hits, and 3 sacks. He's been better at bringing down quarterbacks, but Tuipulotu has been more impressive overall, and given his age, Vrabel would presumably like him for their defense.
Other than the current Chargers' stars, Josh Sweat is another name to watch, who the Patriots have been linked to since the offseason. The 29-year-old has just 2 sacks so far this season, but he recorded 12 in 2025, so the Patriots would be hoping he could replicate that on their defense if they made the trade.
There's also reason to watch players like YaYa Diaby, Will McDonald IV, and Nolan Smith, all of whom have been listed as trade candidates and are presumably in the Patriots' price range.
Whether they look to improve the group will play a big role in how they approach the deadline, and there's a good chance they do nothing. But if they feel this roster can compete, they shouldn't avoid looking at their pass-rush options.
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