Patriots Predicted To Make League-Altering Trade For Five-Time Pro Bowler

Patriots Predicted To Make League-Altering Trade For Five-Time Pro Bowler originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots had just 35 sacks last season, and their pass rush could still use a boost.

The Patriots lost K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, but replaced him with Dre’Mont Jones. They also drafted Gabe Jacas in the second round of the NFL Draft. On top of that, they should be getting a healthy Harold Landry back. Regardless, their pass rush ranked near the bottom of the NFL last season, and they could still use more help.

The Patriots are likely going to give their additions a chance to make an impact, but if they are still struggling to get to the quarterback by the trade deadline, a move could be in the cards. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicted the Patriots would trade for Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby at the trade deadline.

“The Raiders will go through rough patches as they grow together, but Crosby, who turns 29 in August, may not have many optimal years left,” wrote Moton on Thursday. “General manager John Spytek may decide it’s best to trade the star edge-rusher for a first-round pick and more while he’s still playing at a Pro Bowl level on a team that may be a year or two away from playoff contention. The New England Patriots may seek help for their pass rush in the second half of the upcoming campaign.”

Crosby was already traded once this offseason, to the Baltimore Ravens. However, in an unexpected twist, the deal fell through and Crosby was back with the Raiders. He has noted that he is happy to be with the Raiders and is moving forward with a positive attitude in Las Vegas. However, the Raiders just had the No. 1 overall pick and are seemingly not close to contention. 

They could deal Crosby at the deadline to help acquire assets to build a young core around Fernando Mendoza. Crosby is a five-time Pro Bowler with 69.5 career sacks. He also has 133 tackles for a loss and would be a difference maker on the Patriots.

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