Patriots staring at a rare opportunity to completely reshape their defense

The New England Patriots have put together a season that has exceeded expectations without a doubt. While Mike Vrabel's addition, a free-agent haul, and hope for Drake Maye's development warranted excitement for the season, the Patriotshas a chance for 14 wins this season, potentially their most since 2016.

Nonetheless, they may have the opportunity to upgrade their squad even further via a blockbuster trade this offseason.

Rumors about Maxx Crosby wanting out of Las Vegas have become prominent over the last week, and the Patriots could have the chance to pounce. The five-time Pro Bowler will turn 29 a few weeks before the beginning of the 2026 season and has 69.5 sacks in his seven-year career. If he truly is available, there will be a queue of teams lining up with offers.

The Patriots have the 9th most effective cap space in the league in 2026, along with 12 draft picks. If they are interested in making an offer, they have the ammunition to do so.

For a team that has a window right now with a quarterback on a rookie contract, giving themselves the best chance for Super Bowl contention should be a priority.

The Patriots should reach out to the Raiders about a Maxx Crosby trade

The Patriots, aside from being an ascending team with a young quarterback, could use an upgrade on the edge. New England has had just 1.9 sacks per game this season, 23rd in the league. Harold Landry is under contract for the next two seasons, but K'Lavon Chaisson, who has 8 sacks this season, will be a free agent this offseason.

Anfernee Jennings has been a nice rotational piece, but his primary responsibility is in run force. It's too early to rely on rookies Elijah Ponder or Bradyn Swinson in anything more than a rotational role.

If the Patriots want to make a big swing, trading for Crosby would be the perfect move. He recorded 7 pressures against New England in Week 1, tied for a season high. He ranks 8th in the league in pass rush wins, and his 135 wins in run defense are the highest in the league by a large margin.

A trade for Crosby would take major draft capital. If a move were to materialize, I'd expect the Patriots to send first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. While Pete Carroll doesn't seem likely to return next year, first-year GM John Spytek likely will.

The Raiders signed Christian Elliss to an offer sheet this offseason for two years and $13.5 million. The Patriots would match, and Elliss has a career high in tackles this year, and the Raiders need help at the position. All three starters will be free agents at the end of the year, and none rank in the top 30 a the position according to PFF. Spytek could very well have an interest in acquiring Elliss instead of an extra mid-round pick.

A package centering around two first-round picks and Christian Elliss would likely be a very competitive offer for Crosby, and an offer New England should make in the offseason.

Trading for Maxx Crosby would immediately change the Patriots' draft strategy

Edge will slide down the list as far as New England's needs go, but the need at linebacker would no doubt be greater with the departure of Elliss.

The team has struggled with Robert Spillane's absence with a foot injury, so even if Elliss were not to be included, the team could still opt to select a linebacker with a top 100 pick.

Texas A&M's Taurean York would be an excellent replacement for Elliss. At under six feet tall, size is a concern for the Aggie, but production is not. York had 72 tackles and a sack this year to go along with an 89.9 PFF coverage grade, the 7th highest among linebackers in college football.

New England has struggled in coverage at the second level, particularly with tight ends. Elliss is a downhill run stopper, but York would offer a superior complement to Spillane. With Elliss's departure, upgrading the linebacker position is inevitable.

If the Patriots have the opportunity to add one of the league's best defensive players, they should sell out to do so. Their window has opened quicker than fans ever would have thought, and maximizing the advantage they have with Drake Maye on a rookie contract will be crucial over the next few seasons.

If Crosby truly is available, expect Vrabel and company to take a swing at a trade.