The New England Patriots were in the hunt for star defensive end Maxx Crosby, with the Seattle Seahawks also in the mix. After falling short in Super Bowl 60 to an NFC West team, the Patriots were eager to strengthen their lineup for the 2026 season.
However, rumors swirled that Tom Brady was hesitant to engage in deals with his former team. In a surprising twist, the Baltimore Ravens swooped in, offering the Las Vegas Raiders two first-round picks for Crosby.
Yet, the deal fell through when Crosby didn't pass his physical, leaving many around the league puzzled.
With Crosby staying put with the Raiders, at least until the trade deadline, the Patriots are back to the drawing board. An NFL analyst recently highlighted the team's pressing need for a pass rusher.
Matt Okada from NFL.com pointed out that the Patriots could either attempt another trade for Crosby or focus on the upcoming draft and free agency to fill this gap. He suggested that drafting a promising edge rusher with their No. 31 pick and signing a seasoned veteran could be a more practical approach.
Okada mentioned several experienced players who could fit the bill, including Joey Bosa, Haason Reddick, Cameron Jordan, or former Patriot Kyle Van Noy. Bosa, who played for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, managed to make a solid impact with 29 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, five sacks, and two passes defended over 15 games. Although he's no longer in his prime at 30, Bosa's experience could be invaluable in mentoring a rookie and adding depth to the Patriots' defensive front.
The Patriots' quest to bolster their defense continues, and their next moves will be crucial in shaping their 2026 campaign.