Since rumors began circulating about the Raiders' potential interest in trading superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby this offseason, which they eventually went through with until it fell through, the Patriots have been linked to a blockbuster move to get him to Foxboro as soon as possible.
Although it's clear it would cost everything but the kitchen sink to make a deal happen, their defense appears to be lacking a major threat on the defensive line, and Crosby might be the missing piece.
He looked to be off the table earlier this offseason when he was traded to the Ravens, only for Baltimore to get cold feet and back out of the trade. And while the Raiders insist they plan to keep Crosby, insiders continue to suggest they will look to move him before this season's trade deadline, giving the Patriots another shot at him.
It would almost certainly be for a lesser price than what the Ravens gave up, which was the No. 14 overall pick in this year's draft and next year's first-rounder, too, which seemingly took him out of the running for the Patriots to even consider.
But the latest rumored price for what they would be looking for now is far more digestible, at least according to Bryan Broaddus of Crown Global Media, who claims a 2027 first-round pick and probably a mid-round choice in 2028 would get an agreement done.
The Patriots should be all over a Maxx Crosby trade for this price to boost their Super Bowl chances
Despite their history of avoiding big-time trades, the Patriots proved they are in a win-now mode when they acquired receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round pick and a fifth-rounder next year.
They were willing to let go of valuable draft capital to bring in the caliber of talent needed to put their offense over the top, and they appear to have the chance to do the same for their defense and address their weakest group with one of the best in the league.
There's no reason they shouldn't pursue a trade for Crosby if the price has dropped that significantly in just a matter of months. Of course, things could change if he plays at a high level to start the upcoming season, which would likely draw several teams' interest. But that shouldn't deter the Patriots from making the call.
Their current pass rush is led by Harold Landry, who started training camp on the PUP list, and Dre'Mont Jones, a free-agency signing with a mostly unimpressive past. Although we've seen glimpses of potential from their backups, Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson, they're still unproven and will be a risk to rely on this season.
It creates a major opening for a guy like Crosby, who they could throw out onto the field and not have to worry about. He would become a leader right away and make one of the Patriots' most prominent weaknesses their biggest strength.
Giving up a first-round pick is significant, especially for a player with alleged lingering injury issues at 28 years old. However, as long as things check out, Crosby could be the difference between making the Super Bowl and watching the game at home.
Considering they ended the 2025 season by facing the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, and most are already counting them out this season due to a difficult schedule and a history that doesn't support young quarterbacks getting back to the big game that quickly, there is an inevitable sense of urgency that Mike Vrabel and Co. will be feeling to reach the pinnacle of success again and quickly.
Crosby would improve their chances of breaking that trend, making it easy to make the kind of offer that would force the Raiders to agree.
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