NFL teams are monitoring the Maxx Crosby situation in Las Vegas closely as the new league year approaches. Will the Raiders entertain a blockbuster deal for the outstanding pass rusher?
The answer to that question could boost a quick rebuild in Vegas under new head coach Klint Kubiak. With the No. 1 overall pick already in hand, the Raiders are expected to make Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza the top quarterback off the board. But it doesn’t just start at the QB position for the Raiders. They need to install a new attitude as well as players to fill other team needs.
While the team would love Crosby to be a part of that new culture, there is too much bad energy between the two sides to cure growing animosity. A trade may be in the best interests of both teams. One potential suitor is the England Patriots.
With 11 picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, Mike Vrabel and company has the draft capital and cap space to pull off such a deal. The need is there as the Patriots need a consistent force off the edge and the want is there as Crosby has expressed interest in playing for Vrabel.
What can the New England Patriots offer?
It will start with the No. 31 overall pick in the draft. The Patriots, despite making a Super Bowl run, are ahead of schedule in their rebuild. With whom they can get late in the first round, going with a sure bet like Crosby over a younger prospect will more than solidify them as an AFC contender in 2026, at least on the defensive side.
Again, with 11 picks, they can also offer the Raiders a mid-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft as well as a 2027 second round pick. If they need to throw in a player instead of a mid-round pick, players like Christian Barmore and a Kayshon Boutte could interest the Raiders. As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots or any team interest will likely need to dangle two first rounders for Crosby.
“I was told that the Raiders don’t want to trade him and that if they even contemplated it, it would take a Micah Parsons-type package," Schefter reported via 97.5 The Fanatic. “That’s what I was told.
Is the 28-year-old Crosby worth the Patriots given up both a 2026 and 2027 first round pick? Given he's in his prime and production, the Pro Bowl edge rusher gives the Patriots a game wrecker on the defensive side who wil have a chip on his shoulder and a hungar to win. If any coach can get the most out of Crosby, it would be Vrabel. So a couple of late first rounders for a player like Crosby. Do it!
However, with securing one positional need, the Patriots will open other needs with this blockbuster, but with free agency and the draft, they can address and potentially find upgrades at each of those positions.
What can the Las Vegas Raiders do with No. 31 overall?
In a previous Mock Draft, this blockbuster deal was already thrown out there. With No. 31, the Raiders landed wide receiver Denzel Boston out of the University of Washington. The idea here is the Raiders land a No. 1 type receiver on the offensive side of the ball. A collection of talent on that side of the ball that will feature Mendoza, 2025 No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers along with Boston would give Kubiak an intriguing core to work with.
As a team with many holes to fill, landing a top receiver isn’t the only intrigue at No. 31. They can add an edge rusher to the mix to help fill the void left by Crosby. Late round options include Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and potentially a player like Clemson’s T.J. Parker. At cornerback, there are options like South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse and Tennessee’s Colton Hood who could be around come pick No. 31.
Overall, with the additional first, a mid-rounder and a 2027 second round pick to work with, the Raiders will be in position to get relevant again fast with a Maxx Crosby deal. How they draft, develop and instill a culture of winning will depend on the owner and coaching staff.