Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: Could the Patriots Make a Blockbuster Move for the Raiders Star?
Maxx Crosby’s name is starting to swirl in the trade rumor mill, and if the buzz is to be believed, the Las Vegas Raiders might be open to hearing offers for their defensive cornerstone. That’s not a small deal. We’re talking about one of the most relentless edge rushers in the league-five Pro Bowls, two Second-Team All-Pro nods, and a reputation for wrecking pockets on a weekly basis.
One hypothetical deal making the rounds features the New England Patriots as a potential landing spot. The proposed package? A 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and veteran offensive lineman Mike Onwenu heading to Vegas in exchange for Crosby.
Let’s unpack what this would mean on both sides.
Why the Patriots Might Be Willing to Pay Up
The Patriots are staring at a major reset under new leadership, and they’ve got holes to fill-especially on the edge. Their defense has talent, but it’s lacking that game-changing force off the edge who can consistently disrupt the quarterback. Crosby would check that box in bold ink.
At 10.5 sacks last season, Crosby wasn’t just productive-he was a constant headache for opposing offensive lines. But beyond the numbers, it’s his motor and leadership that stand out. He plays every snap like it’s his last, and for a team like New England trying to re-establish an identity, that kind of presence in the locker room could be invaluable.
Sure, giving up two first-rounders and a starting-caliber lineman like Onwenu is steep-but Crosby isn’t just another pass rusher. He’s a tone-setter. And if the Patriots want to fast-track their rebuild, acquiring a player of his caliber could be a foundational move.
What’s in It for the Raiders?
From the Raiders' perspective, this kind of deal would be about building around the future-specifically, presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. If they’re turning the page to a new franchise quarterback, protecting him becomes priority No. 1.
That’s where Mike Onwenu comes in. He’s a proven interior lineman who could immediately stabilize the guard spot, especially with Dylan Parham and Jordan Meredith both approaching free agency. Onwenu’s versatility and experience would be a major asset in front of a rookie QB learning the ropes.
And then there’s the draft capital. Two first-round picks give the Raiders flexibility-whether that’s continuing to build through the draft or using those assets to swing another deal.
Losing Crosby would hurt, no doubt. But if the Raiders are truly committed to a long-term rebuild around Mendoza, this kind of move could accelerate the process.
Is It Worth the Price?
The cost is undeniably high. But so is the ceiling.
Crosby is one of the best in the game at what he does, and players like that don’t hit the trade block often-if ever. For the Patriots, it’s a chance to land a defensive cornerstone in his prime.
For the Raiders, it’s about surrounding their future quarterback with the support he’ll need to succeed.
There’s also the Vrabel factor. Crosby has reportedly expressed interest in playing for Mike Vrabel, which could make New England an even more attractive destination. If that mutual interest is real, it only adds fuel to the fire.
While this trade remains purely hypothetical at this point, it’s the kind of deal that makes you stop and think. Because if it ever did go down, it could reshape the trajectory of two franchises-one looking to rise again, and the other trying to build something new from the ground up.