Following the fallout from the Baltimore Ravens ‘ free agency, the New England Patriots are emerging as the top suitor rumored to target Raiders star Maxx Crosby. With Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel planning to be aggressive, the team is reportedly keeping an eye on Crosby as a potential target. While AJ Brown has been connected to the team in several rumors, Crosby could be an option if nothing works out with the Eagles. Crosby would be one of the most dominant additions for the Patriots’ defense, which was somewhat decent during the 2025 season.
Unfortunately for them, they lost K’Lavion Chaisson to the Commanders, and they’re expected to release Harold Landry due to injury concerns. Pass-rushing remains a hole the Patriots have yet to address, so after signing WR Romeo Doubs to strengthen its offense, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team shifts its focus to defense. New England has yet to make a superstar move other than signing Dre’Mont Jones.
Patriots, Raiders Connected in Massive Maxx Crosby Trade Rumor
Everyone knows that if the Patriots somehow acquire Crosby via a trade, this would put them back in the Super Bowl, which the team failed to win this past season. QB Drake Maye and Vrabel are the Patriots’ new generation of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. It would be huge if the Patriots could pull off acquiring Crosby, which would be one of the most shocking trades in the last decade.
Crosby and the Raiders are committed to each other after the Baltimore fallout, but that doesn’t mean a trade won’t happen later. Don’t expect a trade to come before the NFL Draft this month, but this is something to watch if talks begin to escalate, depending on what New England offers in June.
Other Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were the runner-ups in the first-round sweepstakes for Crosby. Jerry Jones has moved on after acquiring Rashan Gary via a trade and signing Otito Ogbonnia to strengthen the team’s defense. Despite trading Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, the Cowboys are shaping up their defense for the arrival of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
However, Jones explicitly stated that he hasn’t completely shut the door on getting Crosby. While he praised Baltimore’s handling of the fallout with the defensive end, the Cowboys could get together before the trade deadline to give it another shot to get the pass-rusher.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have opened their championship window this offseason after coming off a spectacular 2025 campaign. While the team signed Jaelan Phillips to strengthen the pass-rushing unit to help Derrick Brown and Tershawn Wharton, it shouldn’t stop the Panthers from being aggressive. The team must find ways to be creative defensively to give QB Bryce Young plenty of opportunities. Crosby stepping in and pairing with Wharton and Brown sounds like a real sweet treat for Carolina fans if this trade happens.
This might get them in the NFC Championship conversation next year.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Ravens, but it shouldn’t stop them from upgrading their defense. Similar to last offseason, the team hasn’t made any drastic moves to improve the defense. The Chargers signed Dalvin Tomlinson to make up for the loss of Otito Ogbonnia and Da’Shawn Hand. While he could be the latest gem for the team, the Chargers can’t afford to lean on “diamond in the rough” players if they have postseason aspirations.
Even though Khalil Mack and Teair Tart are back, Mack isn’t getting any younger, and someone like Crosby could step in as the new face of the John Harbaugh era franchise.