With less than 24 hours until the NFL trade window closes, an earthquake may be forming between the Las Vegas Raiders and the New England Patriots.
After the 17-30 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars – the sixth defeat in eight weeks – sources from The Athletic and NFL Network reveal that Maxx Crosby, the NFL’s top defensive star, has begun “opening the door” to the possibility of leaving the team.
Crosby, 28, has been the heart of the Raiders’ defense for years – 2× All-Pro, 4× Pro Bowl, and he just recorded 14.5 sacks in the 2024 season. But as the Raiders slump and the locker room gradually loses direction, he is said to be “deeply disappointed with the team’s direction.” An internal source described Crosby as “wanting to win – and he knows that won’t come soon in Las Vegas.”
Immediately, the New England Patriots are seen as the most likely destination. With a 7-2 record, coach Mike Vrabel’s team is solidly in the playoff race and boasts the NFL’s largest salary cap space.
According to sources from Sporting News, the Patriots have made an offer that the Raiders “can hardly refuse” – including a 2025 first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a promising young defensive player.
In the post-game press conference after the 24-23 win over the Falcons, Vrabel did not deny the rumors, even flashing a meaningful smile when mentioning Crosby: “I always respect guys like Maxx – he’s not just good, he has the heart of a warrior. In New England, we always keep the door open for players like that. And if he wants to fight for wins… he knows where to come.”
That statement spread quickly on social media, leading experts to believe the Patriots are truly “going all in” before the trade deadline on 11/4 at 4:00 PM ET.
According to ESPN, the Crosby deal could become the “blockbuster” of the season if completed. The Patriots need one final piece to solidify their defense, while the Raiders – with a 2-6 start and a murky future – may be forced to trade their biggest star to rebuild.
Before the “zero hour,” no one knows for sure what will happen, but if Maxx Crosby wears a Patriots jersey, it will be a powerful statement: New England is back – and this time, they’re here to hunt for titles.
