If the New England Patriots are serious about jumpstarting their rebuild under new leadership, a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby could be the kind of bold move that defines an era. According to a proposed deal making the rounds, the Patriots would send defensive tackle Christian Barmore, along with the No. 31 and No. 63 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, to the Raiders in exchange for the All-Pro edge rusher.
Let’s unpack this.
Why Maxx Crosby?
Crosby isn’t just a good pass rusher-he’s one of the most disruptive forces in the league. At 28, he’s in his prime and has already recorded double-digit sacks in three of the last four seasons.
He’s built his reputation on relentless motor, elite technique, and a knack for making game-changing plays. If you’re building a defense around someone, Crosby is the type of cornerstone you want.
He doesn’t take plays off, and he brings a tone-setting intensity that any locker room would welcome.
For New England, this is exactly the kind of presence they’ve been missing. The Patriots’ pass rush in 2025 was underwhelming.
No player cracked double digits in sacks, and only Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson managed more than seven. That’s not going to cut it in a league where elite edge pressure is practically a prerequisite for playoff success.
Crosby would instantly elevate the Patriots’ defensive front from solid to potentially dominant. He commands double teams, opens lanes for other rushers, and forces offenses to account for him on every snap. That kind of impact can ripple through an entire defense-corners don’t have to cover as long, linebackers can be more aggressive, and turnovers become more likely.
The Cost: Barmore and Two Premium Picks
Of course, talent like Crosby doesn’t come cheap. The proposed package-Christian Barmore plus New England’s first- and second-round picks-would be a significant investment.
Barmore started 16 games for the Patriots last season and has developed into a reliable interior presence. He’s strong against the run, disruptive up the middle, and still has room to grow.
And then there’s the draft capital. Picks No. 31 and No. 63 are valuable assets, especially for a team still retooling.
Those selections could be used to shore up other areas of need-receiver, offensive tackle, secondary depth. Giving them up would sting.
But here’s the thing: Crosby isn’t a one-year rental. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler with years of elite play ahead of him.
If the Patriots believe they’re close to building a contender, this is the kind of move that accelerates the timeline. You don’t just acquire a pass rusher-you acquire an identity.
The Raiders' Perspective
On the flip side, the Raiders would be betting on a retool of their own. Barmore gives them a young, ascending defensive tackle to anchor the interior, and two top-65 picks provide flexibility to fill other holes.
There’s also the backdrop of reported tension between Crosby and the organization, particularly around how his knee injury was handled late in the 2025 season. While Crosby has publicly dismissed the trade talk, whispers persist that his future in Las Vegas isn’t as secure as it once seemed.
If the relationship truly is strained, moving on from Crosby while getting strong value in return could make sense for the Raiders. But it’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re talking about a franchise player.
Final Thoughts
This potential trade is a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario for New England. They’d be giving up a key piece of their defensive line and two premium picks-but in return, they’d land one of the most feared edge rushers in football. If the Raiders are truly open to moving Crosby, the Patriots should be on the phone.
Because players like Maxx Crosby don’t hit the market often. And if you have a chance to land one, sometimes you just have to pull the trigger.