Where Will Maxx Crosby Go?

The emergence of Drake Maye as an MVP-caliber QB immediately puts the Patriots on the map as contenders. With Mike Vrabel at the helm, the team is disciplined, tough and showing signs of their dynasty form. They’ve already got an underrated D-line, and Crosby would be the piece that pushes them to the next level. It’s fair to assume that New England’s upcoming first-round selections will be among the back half picks, so the price wouldn’t be too hard to stomach. Coupled with the fact that Maye is still on his rookie deal, it opens up a prime opportunity for the Patriots to go all-in for a Super Bowl.

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee has their work cut out for them before they can be considered a threat in the AFC. One way they can jump up the rankings is pairing their elite DT duo with Crosby. Jeffrey Simmons is top three among DTs in pass-rush win rate, and T’Vondre Sweat is a beast against the run. Adding Crosby to the equation would create a deadly force against opposing offensive lines. Crosby has been known for being sort of a one-man army, and he’s never played alongside a pro-bowler on the interior. That could change if he were to join the Titans, and who knows how much havoc he would wreak.

Chicago Bears

One would feel a sense of déjà vu when seeing the Bears and Raiders agree to this hypothetical trade. This year, Chicago’s defense has been predicated on great DB play and a nose for turnovers. Their defensive line has been serviceable, but it can grow by leaps and bounds with Maxx Crosby. The Bears rank near the bottom in pass-rush win rate, and without Montez Sweat they’d barely be able to collapse the pocket. Crosby would fix that, and perhaps rekindle the defense that defines the Monsters of the Midway.

Cincinnati Bengals

It doesn’t take a genius to realize Cincinnati’s defense has been historically terrible the past few seasons. The front office has tried to patch the holes, specifically in the trenches. However, their past two day one picks on the d-line have been underwhelming. Myles Murphy has turned it around but profiles as a decent starter at best, and Shemar Stewart has a long way to go. Neither moves the needle, and with Trey Hendrickson set to leave for free agency, the Bengals have a dire need at edge. Using those first-round picks (that would otherwise be spent on the position) to fetch Maxx Crosby instead of gambling with a young player is a logical move.

Buffalo Bills

It feels as if whenever there’s trade discussions involving a star player, Buffalo’s always a good landing spot. It makes sense, given that they have respectable players at nearly every position, but very few high-tier starters. This is especially true for their defense, as reflected by their metrics over the past few years. Pressure rate and run defense in particular have not improved, with the latter becoming a weakness this year. Maxx Crosby could be the key that unlocks the defense, putting them over the top. Furthermore, he’d do wonders for the run defense, as he was ranked first at his position in stops when on the field.

Baltimore Ravens

Unlike Ravens teams of old, Baltimore struggled to bring down the quarterback this season. Their weakness was exacerbated with the absence of Nnamdi Madabuike, but more is expected from the unit. Rookies have failed to make their mark, and vets are beginning to show their age. Baltimore rarely makes flashy moves, but they might need to in order to fix their 4.35% sack rate. Crosby’s services would immediately shore up the defense, and he’d be a great presence for the younger players as well.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL world was appalled by Jerry Jones’ decision to trade Micah Parsons. Now, he has a chance to turn those selections into not only Quinnen Williams, but also Maxx Crosby. Similar to Cincinnati, the Cowboys’ defense has been abysmal. Their young pass-rushers have been improving, but as a whole the team struggles to win in the trenches. Maxx Crosby’s addition would not only ignite a spark for the defensive line, but would also once again put the Cowboys in the limelight, something that will make Jerry Jones ecstatic.