Maxx Crosby
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ESPN's Bill Barnwell proposed the New England Patriots move up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to potentially select an edge rusher instead of trading for Maxx Crosby.
A Maxx Crosby trade is still on the table for the New England Patriots this offseason. Acquiring the former second-team All-Pro would be the best, fastest way for the Patriots to improve at edge rusher.
But in a 2026 NFL mock draft entirely filled with trades, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed the Philadelphia Eagles acquire Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. In the proposal, the Eagles landed Crosby in a package involving the No. 23 overall selection.
After missing on the Las Vegas All-Pro again, Barnwell suggested the Patriots move up to one spot after the new Raiders selection to potentially pick a Crosby alternative.
“Coach Mike Vrabel doesn’t have much depth behind the duo of Harold Landry III and Dre’Mont Jones, who both are 29 years old,” Barnwell wrote. “The Bears, Bills, Chiefs and Dolphins could all be interested in edge rushers, and that would leave the Pats in move-up mode if they have a favorite in this range.”
In the proposed trade, the Patriots sent the No. 31 overall pick, a third-rounder and sixth-round choice to the Cleveland Browns. In exchange, the Patriots received the No. 24 overall selection.
With an edge rusher at No. 24, the Patriots could fill both short-term and long-term needs.
New England could use another edge rusher after veteran K’Lavon Chaisson departed in free agency. The Patriots top two edge rushers on their current roster will also both be at least 29 years old before Week 1.