Among what the [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) still need to do before the trade deadline, even if they don't accomplish this before the start of the season, despite many wanting them to, adding an edge rusher should be at the top of that list.
There have been reports nearly all offseason suggesting that New England is interested in improving on the defensive side of the football, with adding an edge rusher as the top priority.
As the Patriots continue to look at the potential names, Chad Graff recently suggested a couple of edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Haason Reddick. Both players still remain on the market late in the offseason.
Even if they aren't what they once were, these are low-risk flyers the Patriots should be willing to take. With Mike Vrabel being one of the best defensive minds in football, it wouldn't be surprising to see any of these guys come in and make an immediate impact.
“Some big names who fit the Patriots’ needs are edge rushers Joey Bosa and Haason Reddick and linebacker Bobby Wagner. None of them would be long-term fixes to the team’s problems, but they could be enticed by a one-year deal to play for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
“They’ve already gone down that road, albeit with a lesser name, signing veteran guard Greg Van Roten last week with the hope of using him as the first interior offensive lineman off the bench,” Chad Graff [wrote](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7535642/2026/08/25/mike-vrabel-patriots-depth-trade-preseason/).
Both players have injury concerns, at least enough for the Patriots to keep in mind. However, unless New England is willing to make a blockbuster-type of trade to get a guy like Maxx Crosby if he ever becomes available, players like Bosa and Reddick are the most likely options.
Neither would be a perfect fit, but again, there has to be some risk-taking here, and both have proven throughout their careers that they can be very good, so the Patriots would have to hope that's the case.
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