Top Trade Target: Maxx Crosby
The New England Patriots have elevated their expectations heading into the 2026 NFL season. After a remarkable turnaround under head coach Mike Vrabel, the team finished with a 14-3 record. They made a surprising playoff run that culminated in an appearance at the Super Bowl, following two previous seasons marked by a dismal 4-13 record. Now, the focus shifts to returning to the Super Bowl and claiming the title.
Key Factors in the Patriots’ Strategy
Executive leaders Eliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden, and John Streicher find themselves with over $40 million in salary cap space. They also hold 11 picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, providing several avenues to enhance the roster. One prominent strategy that has emerged involves trading for defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Trade for Maxx Crosby
The Patriots hold the 31st overall pick in a draft that is generally perceived as weak. They have two primary options: they can either hope to draft an edge rusher or offensive tackle, or they can opt to trade their pick, possibly in conjunction with a player or future selections, to acquire Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Crosby, a 28-year-old standout, is eager to play under Vrabel, according to reports. His current contract includes four years and $112.93 million remaining, making this a significant investment for any team. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he has already recorded 69.5 sacks and made five Pro Bowl appearances.
Crosby’s Impressive Career Stats
- Sacks: 69.5
- Pro Bowl Selections: 5
- Tackles for Loss: 133
- Quarterback Hits: 164
- Forced Fumbles: 11
- Fumble Recoveries: 3
- Interceptions: 1
In the previous season, Crosby recorded 10 sacks over 15 games and earned Pro Bowl honors. The Patriots’ defense was strong in 2025, but they primarily generated pressure from interior defensive tackles like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Adding Crosby could significantly bolster their pass-rushing capabilities, allowing them to compete with top defenses in the league.
Future Defensive Line Considerations
The Patriots currently have outside linebackers such as Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder, and Bradyn Swinson signed for 2026. They also have K’Lavon Chaisson among their free agents to consider. While acquiring Crosby would consume some draft assets and salary cap space, the team could convert a portion of his $30 million base salary into a signing bonus, creating $21.53 million in cap savings.
Comparatively, edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson and Odafe Oweh are also potential free-agent targets. However, Crosby remains a more attractive and consistent option. The team’s Super Bowl LV defeat to the Seahawks underscored the need for a stronger offensive line. Names like Will Campbell and Jared Wilson offer hope for improvement, but additional reinforcements via free agency and the draft could prove necessary.
Conclusion
As the Patriots prepare for the next season, enhancing their roster must be a priority. Securing a player like Maxx Crosby would not only strengthen their defense but could also fundamentally improve their chances at Super Bowl success. With a promising young quarterback in Drake Maye and a strategic head coach in Mike Vrabel, the window for a championship appears wide open. Now is the critical time for the Patriots to make impactful decisions and strive for glory.
