The New England Patriots, like every other NFL team, value their quarterback highly, in some cases above any other player. When you have one of the caliber of Drake Maye on hand, the value soars exponentially.
Earlier in the offseason, Maye was slammed by edge Bradyn Swinson, drawing the ire of Patriot Nation and his coaches in the process. Now, Brad Berreman of Just Blog Baby has cited similar ill-advised behavior by Las Vegas Raiders edge Maxx Crosby at training camp.
His hits on quarterback Kirk Cousins have drawn responses from head coach Klent Kubiak and prompted him to act to rein in the star edge.
Crosby was a speculative Patriots' trade target this offseason, at least in the media. Yet, his recent antics could well prompt the Patriots to shy away from any potential deal.
The Raiders' star's foolish actions may well deter the edge-pass-rusher-needy Patriots from saying, "Thanks, but no thanks," to a potential deal for the now-in-the-doghouse Crosby. But keep another perspective in mind.
Might this Crosby scenario actually present a golden opportunity for New England to upgrade its dismal pass-rush?
The New England Patriots need Maxx Crosby, antics and all
The New England Patriots' interest in this Raiders' business is whether a trade for Crosby should be considered, if he's available, in light of these recent developments.
Brad Berreman summarized the incident.
"... Last Friday, after he hit Kirk Cousins' arm twice, the Raiders' signal caller brought on a confrontation that Crosby surely didn't expect. Head coach Klint Kubiak then sent a message to everyone by holding Cousins and Crosby out of live periods in last Saturday's practice. When it comes down to it, more is expected from team leaders like them, and the standards Kubiak has will be set and enforced uniformly, no matter the player."
Crosby's ill-advised, if not reckless, actions against Cousins rightly drew Kubiak's ire and repercussions. If not, it would open the door for other Raiders players to tee off on their teammate, as well. The message was crystal clear.
Regardless, should all this dissuade the Patriots from trading with Las Vegas for Crosby? The pros are obvious. If they land edge Crosby, they add a top player to a very thin position. He brings exactly what the Patriots need: sacks.
The 28-year-old has notched double-digit sacks in four of his seven NFL seasons, including 10 in 2025. He's a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time second-team All-Pro. It's a slam dunk, home run trade.
The cons are also clear. Crosby may be a player who values his own interests over the team's. When it gets to the point of jeopardizing not only a player's health but the team's entire season, it's a troubling signal. Yet, if Crosby wants out of Las Vegas, what the Patriots should do is obvious.
The 2026 New England Patriots desperately need Maxx Crosby. They have Head Coach Mike Vrabel to keep things disciplined. There is only one sheriff in town: Vrabel. The team should call Las Vegas, overpay if they have to, and make the deal if they can.
The pass rush is the key to the defense and they need big-time help there. Failing to address it could doom their season before it even begins.
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