NFL insider's Maxx Crosby nugget ignites Raiders-Patriots blockbuster trade buzz

The New England Patriots are going to be looking to add an edge rusher this offseason, and the bigger the move the better.

One player who will inevitably be brought up as a potential option for any team with a need along the edge is Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who has been the subject of trade rumors and speculation for multiple years now.

Trade talk surrounding Crosby received a jolt near the end of the 2025 campaign after it was revealed he wasn't happy with the team after now-former head coach Pete Carroll decided to shut him down before the end of the season against his will.

“I’ve been on the phone with Maxx a bunch over the last couple days,” FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported. “He is not happy.”

Glazer then dropped another interesting nugget, as he wondered aloud if Crosby's stance on staying with the Raiders might change. We took that as a pretty big hint Crosby is indeed considering it.

If the Raiders do entertain a Crosby trade this offseason, there's a very good chance Las Vegas will work with Crosby to send him where he wants to go because of the enormous respect the franchise has for him.

Based on reporting from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Pats could be among Crosby's desired destinations. That's because Crosby has told Russini in the past that he would like to play for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

"Maxx Crosby doesn’t seem too happy in Las Vegas… I know he wants to play for Mike Vrabel. He’s told me before," Russini said on Zolak and Bertrand.

Now, this is not surprising considering Vrabel is popular among all players thanks to his coaching style, which is tough but fair and shows he cares about his players.

Heck, even Patrick Mahomes has said he would like to play for Vrabel.

But the Patriots check another important box for Crosby if he demands a trade: the veteran edge rusher is going to be looking for a team that gives him a chance to compete for a Super Bowl, and clearly the Patriots will give him that.

So, a chance to play under Vrabel and win a Super Bowl? The Patriots are everything Crosby could possibly be looking for.

Crosby is exactly the kind of player Vrabel would love to have on him team.

The 28-year-old is a great talent, a hard-worker and a fantastic leader, so the fit is perfect.

If the Raiders finally decide to let go of Crosby, or if he demands a trade, we could easily see him landing in New England with the Patriots.

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