​There was a brief moment before the Super Bowl when rumors surfaced that Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby was eyeing a pairing with Mike Vrabel. Crosby’s name even surfaced in connection with a potential trade to the New England Patriots, a deal that would have been lucrative for him but costly for the Patriots. Since then, the situation has shifted. Initially, Crosby appeared bound for the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, but the trade collapsed after he failed his physical. Since that setback, it looks likely Crosby will remain with the Raiders in 2026, yet discussion persists about a midseason move or a possibility after “cut-down day” when the Raiders finalize their 53-man roster. Trading Crosby would free roughly $30 million in cap space for Las Vegas, signaling a clear financial motive behind any potential deal as the team rebuilds. However, the Raiders would incur a $5.3 million dead-cap hit from prorated bonuses for the upcoming season.
For the Patriots, adding a pass-rushing ace would be a major upgrade, and Crosby is widely regarded as one of the premier players at his position. Even a temporary addition could provide a substantial boost. The Patriots currently boast the fifth-most available cap space in the NFL and could sweeten a deal if needed. In free agency, New England lost edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson to the Washington Commanders; Chaisson logged 10.5 sacks in 2025 across the regular season and postseason. The Patriots also face uncertainty with their second-round pick, Gabe Jacas, who is entangled in a contractual standoff linked to undisclosed injuries and a knee procedure from the offseason.
Crosby’s name remains a frequent topic of debate because of his reputation as one of the best at his position, and his impact on the pass rush is undeniable. His ability to pressure top-tier quarterbacks makes him a coveted target for teams like the Patriots, who would welcome such a boost, even if only temporarily. Follow Tyler for more Patriots coverage, and check out the Patriots Roundtable Podcast for updates. Patriots Roundtable also hosts a fan community and message board—join us to discuss all things Patriots by clicking the “Join” button at the top of the page to become part of our free community.