The New England Patriots may have a Maxx Crosby-sized problem on their hands, and it has nothing to do with whether they want him. It’s the price.
Mike Vrabel already made it clear last month that this roster isn’t built with much wiggle room. The Patriots have talent, sure, but if injuries hit in the wrong spots, the whole thing can get thin in a hurry. Nowhere is that more obvious than off the edge.
Harold Landry III is set to miss at least the first four games, rookie Gabe Jacas is not expected to make much of an early defensive impact, and Dre’Mont Jones is the lone proven edge presence on the unit. For now, New England could be relying heavily on former undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder.
So if the Raiders ever do make Crosby available again, the Patriots should absolutely be in the conversation. But Bleacher Report’s latest projection makes it clear why that idea may be more fantasy than realistic.
Kris Knox predicted Crosby would end up with the Dallas Cowboys in a deal that sends Las Vegas two first-round picks, in 2027 and 2028, plus 28-year-old edge Rashan Gary.
"The Raiders seem content to keep Crosby after their offseason trade with the Baltimore Ravens fell through. However, they could revisit the idea of flipping the 29-year-old if they're struggling to compete in late October," wrote Knox. "After taking Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, Las Vegas won't be in the market for a quarterback in next year's draft.
However, it will be looking for long-term pieces to put around Mendoza. Trading Crosby, who could be past his prime by the time the Raiders are ready to contend, could get Las Vegas a very strong return."
That’s a hefty asking price, and it would actually top the package the Raiders were set to receive from Baltimore before that March deal collapsed. The Ravens had agreed to send two first-round picks, and no players, in return for Crosby.
Unless Crosby himself pushes for an exit, that kind of return feels like the floor for Las Vegas. And that’s where the Patriots run into a wall.
They already sent their first-round pick in 2028 to the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown, which makes matching that type of offer a major challenge.
New England could probably have to include a promising young player just to get close.
The need is obvious. The Patriots have shown they can hang with the league’s best, but the pass rush remains the kind of flaw that can get exposed at the worst possible time. And in a league where one edge rusher can change everything, Crosby is exactly the type of player who would fit what they’re missing.
Still, this isn’t the moment to force it. Giving up multiple first-round picks is always painful, especially with a 2027 draft class that looks promising. But if Crosby ever becomes available, the payoff could be the difference between drafting in the early 20s and picking at No. 32 overall.
For now, the Patriots can wait. Their current group deserves that much.
In Other News...
Patriots Seahawks Opener Just Got Dragged Into A Mike Vrabel Mess
A preseason storyline that started in April has now followed Mike Vrabel right into the Patriots' season-opening build-up, and it has nothing to do with the game plan for Seattle. The issue flared after photos of Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini surfaced, eventually leading to Russinis resignation from The Athletic and an investigation that found a violation of company standards but no favoritism.
Now the opener against the Seahawks is being pulled into the conversation again, with NFL insider Albert Breer saying more details could surface before kickoff. Vrabel has declined to address the report, keeping the focus on the teams preparation for Week 1, but the timing ensures the topic is not going away quietly as New England tries to keep its attention on football. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Fans Just Got Another Reason To Watch George Pickens
The Patriots already made one aggressive move at receiver by landing A.J. Brown from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round pick, and now the next layer of the roster picture is starting to come into focus. Brown is still being worked into a contract beyond this season, while Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas are both on expiring deals, which leaves New England facing more questions about its pass-catching group as it looks ahead to 2027 and beyond.
George Pickens is suddenly part of that conversation because of the financial squeeze Dallas is dealing with around its receiver room. Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones acknowledged the challenge involving Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens could end up either reaching free agency or becoming part of a tag-and-trade path. For a Patriots team that has shown a willingness to swing big at the position, that is the kind of development worth watching closely. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Face Growing Week 1 Backfield Concern With Time Running Short
With Week 1 closing in, the Patriots are watching the running back market as much as anything else, and a handful of familiar names are working through late-summer injury questions. Ashton Jeanty is dealing with an ankle sprain but remains on track in a best-case sense, Breece Halls groin issue is not expected to keep him out, Christian McCaffrey has been limited in practice, and DAndre Swifts cramp sounds minor enough to point toward availability.
The situation that matters most in New England is TreVeyon Henderson, whose ankle injury has kept his status unsettled as the opener approaches. Jeremiyah Loves high-ankle sprain leaves his Week 1 outlook murky, while Jonathon Brooks is trying to push through soreness with optimism around his debut. For the Patriots, the concern is less about any one headline and more about how many backfield options are still carrying some kind of limitation when the calendar is about to flip to the games that count. [Read more 🡒]