Patriots, Raiders Linked in Maxx Crosby Trade Talks

After the trade to the Ravens fell through, thanks to a failed physical, most reporters across the league expect Maxx Crosby to stick with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 season. Crosby, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has developed into one of the game’s most dominant pass rushers, making five straight Pro Bowls and finishing the 2025 season with 10 sacks, 73 tackles, 28 tackles-for-loss, and 20 quarterback hits. Now entering his age-29 season, he should have a few more years of elite play left in his tank.

The Las Vegas Raiders added plenty of talent in the offseason and brought in a new coaching staff, but they’re probably not ready to go on a deep playoff run quite yet. Maxx Crosby can help this team fight for a playoff spot, but an organization like the New England Patriots could use him as the missing piece for their Super Bowl aspirations. In a recent article, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe noted New England is still looking to make a blockbuster trade, and they could target Maxx Crosby if A.J. Brown stays with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Patriots, Raiders Connected In Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors

While Maxx Crosby is a great player, it’s no surprise that A.J. Brown is New England’s primary target on the trade block. Former third-overall pick Drake Maye had a promising rookie season and proved himself to be a legitimate franchise quarterback during the 2025 season. Finishing second in the MVP race, the second-year passer guided the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl despite having a below-average supporting cast. Stefon Diggs was still good, but he wasn’t the player he once was, and the rest of Maye’s pass-catching weapons were role players.

Diggs is now gone, and while the Patriots signed Romeo Doubs in free agency, they still need a proper WR1 to lead the offense. A.J. Brown may not be the player he was at the peak of his career, but he’d still be the best receiver on this depth chart by a comfortable margin. Thanks to his contract structure, the Patriots will probably have to wait until after June 1st to acquire the pass-catcher, so these trade rumors aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

However, a lot can happen between now and the start of June, and the Patriots could use a player like Maxx Crosby if they cannot land Brown. New England has one of the best defensive tackle duos in Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, but the edge defenders could use an infusion of talent. Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones are a fine duo, but they lack the elite upside of Crosby. Assuming New England is comfortable with Crosby’s medical report, they should be willing to surrender a first-round pick for his services.