Since rumors began to circulate about Maxx Crosby's frustrations with the Raiders late last season, the Patriots were on the shortlist of teams most likely to engage in trade conversations to get the pass rusher on their defense.
That only heightened the closer we got to free agency, only for the Ravens to swoop in and shockingly pull off the trade, sending two first-round picks to Las Vegas for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Based on that return, it seems fair to believe the Patriots were out before they were in, and now they can shift their focus to a different pass rusher who is allegedly on the trade market.
He might not be as flashy a name as Crosby, but the Vikings are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Jonathan Greenard, who recorded 38 combined tackles, 10 for a loss, 12 quarterback hits, three passes defended, a forced fumble, and three sacks in 12 games.
That's certainly not on the level of Crosby, but he performed at a much higher level in 2024 when he didn't miss a game, and that's the kind of production the Patriots could expect with a healthy Greenard. Not to mention, trading for him will be significantly cheaper.
The Patriots can now consider going all-in for Jonathan Greenard after missing out on Maxx Crosby
When reports revealed that the Vikings were willing to trade away their Pro Bowl defensive linemen, it was immediately said they were ready to accept a Day 2 draft pick, meaning the second and third rounds, which is something the Patriots can easily afford to give up.
If they want to drastically improve their pass rush, which is easy to assume given their reported interest in Crosby, then giving up some high draft capital will be what it will take and will presumably be worth it.
While Greenard isn't considered on the same level as Crosby, he did generate more quarterback pressure over the last two seasons (131 to 109), and that's significant. Adding that kind of player to the current roster, especially next to one of the top defensive tackle duos in the league, Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, would make them far more menacing to opposing quarterbacks.
It might be their best bet to make the biggest difference this offseason, and it still allows them to target an EDGE player in the early rounds of the draft.
This could be the best new path to take after missing out on Crosby, particularly because of the massive difference in price, which might just be the best reason to seriously pursue him.