The start of free agency isn't until next week, but plenty of teams have already begun engaging in trade talks, including the Patriots, who sent center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears for a fifth-round pick on Thursday afternoon.
Big-time trades are likely not happening until the legal tampering window opens on Monday, but that didn't stop the Raiders from having talks about Maxx Crosby already, as they are officially sending the defensive end to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks.
The Patriots were said to be in on the pass rusher, but it's clear the Ravens were more aggressive in their pursuit.
The #Ravens will send two first-round picks (one in 2027) to the #Raiders in exchange for Maxx Crosby, per source. https://t.co/33DurlCgg7
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 7, 2026
Given the steep price tag, with the Ravens sending the No. 14 overall pick in this year's draft plus next year's first-round selection, it looks like the Patriots were probably never a serious contender to bring Crosby in this offseason.
Maxx Crosby was probably never coming to the Patriots this offseason
Because one of New England's biggest weaknesses continues to be its pass rush, it made sense that they would inquire about Crosby's availability. The connection only grew stronger as he talked about wanting to play for Mike Vrabel and his constant praise for defensive players on the Patriots roster.
But it was going to take a steep price to get a player of his caliber, and the Patriots, bust mostly Vrabel, are not known for pulling off trades of that magnitude, so it seemed even less likely to happen.
Now seeing what the Ravens were willing to part with, it is fair to assume the Patriots were only going to give up on trade talks, especially since the Raiders would likely want even more than what they got for the Ravens, given they have pick No. 31 in the first round.
That's too much to give up for a team that wants to build a young roster, and we have already heard from Vrabel and Eliot Wolf that they don't feel they're only one player away from contending for a Lombardi Trophy at this point.
If they felt differently, getting Crosby would make more sense. But now it's clear they're going to be more active in the trade market for other players, with AJ Brown continuing to be the most talked-about target.