Since trade rumors began circulating about Maxx Crosby last season, the Patriots have been linked to the pass rusher in what could be their next blockbuster trade. They already pulled one off this past offseason when they went all-in on A.J. Brown, but that doesn't mean they won't pursue another if they think the deal is too good to pass up.
Given that they have a young and developing pass rush right now, it would make sense for the front office to look into someone of Crosby's caliber should they become available. They didn't seem interested in him in the spring, before he was traded to the Ravens.
But now that he's back with the Raiders and NFL insiders believe he could be available before this season's trade deadline, interest could pick up, especially after a firsthand look at him on Sunday.
Or maybe Crosby expressed his interest without saying a word. At least, that's one way to describe how he arrived at Gillette Stadium for their Week 5 game.
Maxx Crosby's pregame attire seems like a not-so-subtle sign for the Patriots
As players made their way to the locker room hours before the game, Crosby arrived wearing a Larry Bird jersey, a Boston Celtics legend, an interesting choice, given that it could upset Raiders fans.
That could be seen as respect for the city and a signal to the Patriots that he's interested in playing for them, which is also significant since Crosby was on the Raiders under Josh McDaniels.
Maxx Crosby … respect. pic.twitter.com/Z5cBovt9Xp
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 11, 2026
He's had a lot to say about the offensive coordinator since Las Vegas fired him in 2023, most of which has been positive. At first, though, reports claimed Crosby was part of a large group of players celebrating when they heard McDaniels was fired.
However, in the years since then, he's had nothing but good things to say about McDaniels, which also fuels rumors about his possible desire to play in New England.
Given that McDaniels wouldn't be his head coach again and wouldn't work with him directly either, it would seem like the perfect scenario if Crosby still had lingering frustrations from their time with the Raiders.
Regardless, it's hard to overlook his decision to wear a Bird jersey and what it might mean, even if trying to decipher it is ultimately useless. After all, it could just be a fashion choice and not a statement.
Optimistically, there is a chance Crosby wants out of the Raiders, since they traded him against his wishes, and he could still feel some kind of way about them, even though he's vowed his desire to always be a Raider.
At the very least, the Patriots might ask what kind of return they'd want for the 5-time Pro Bowler, and it probably won't be cheap. Given the deal the Ravens sent earlier this year, the Patriots are unlikely to give up that kind of draft capital for a player who's closer to being out of his time than in it.
But we'll have to wait and see. Crosby should be on the radar no matter what, and his jersey choice for this week's game only furthered that.
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