Maxx Crosby’s future in Las Vegas is anything but certain - and across the league, teams are watching closely.
Though the Raiders have publicly stated they have no plans to move their star defensive end, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning. Crosby remains one of the NFL’s most coveted edge rushers, and interest in him is heating up from multiple directions.
The Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers have all been linked to him, and there’s buzz that Crosby has his eyes on a potential move to the NFC North. While the Detroit Lions have been floated as a preferred landing spot, they’re not the only team he’d consider.
One intriguing wrinkle? Crosby is reportedly open to playing for Mike Vrabel, which could open the door for a team like the New England Patriots - a franchise in need of a defensive spark after a disappointing end to their season.
The Patriots are coming off a 29-13 loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl 60, and the front office is expected to be aggressive this offseason. There’s a clear need to bolster the pass rush, and Crosby would be a massive upgrade. According to reports, New England is eyeing a bold move: sending their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, along with offensive guard Mike Onwenu, to Vegas in exchange for Crosby.
That’s a hefty price tag, but it reflects just how valuable Crosby is - and how badly the Patriots need a game-changer on the edge. In 2025, New England tied for 22nd in sacks with 35 and ranked 24th in pressure rate at just 20.3%.
Those numbers tell the story of a defense that struggled to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Crosby, still in his prime, could change that in a hurry.
He’s younger than Harold Landry, who turns 29 this year, and with K’Lavon Chaisson hitting free agency after a breakout season (7.5 sacks, 23 pressures, 11 tackles for loss), the Patriots may not want to gamble on the open market. Crosby offers proven production and relentless motor - the kind of player who can tilt the field every Sunday.
On the flip side, Onwenu would be a valuable addition for the Raiders, especially with Fernando Mendoza expected to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. Protecting a young signal-caller is priority one, and Onwenu brings versatility and toughness to the offensive line.
On paper, the deal makes sense for both sides: the Patriots get a premier pass rusher to anchor their defense, and the Raiders land a pair of high picks and a quality lineman to support their new QB. But as with any potential blockbuster, the biggest question is whether either team is ready to pull the trigger.
For now, Maxx Crosby remains a Raider. But with his name swirling in trade talks and multiple teams lining up with interest, don’t be surprised if this situation heats up fast - and changes the defensive landscape of the league in a big way.