Patriots spend $200M in free agency and still stun the NFL — trading first- and third-round picks for Raiders star Maxx Crosby, sending a clear Super Bowl LX message as his response ignites Patriots Nation

Foxborough, Massachusetts – 1/11/2025

The New England Patriots have once again sent shockwaves through the NFL. Despite already spending over $200 million USD in the free agency period, Coach Mike Vrabel’s team shows no signs of slowing down. According to confirmed sources from ESPN and Boston Herald, the Patriots are planning to trade a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick to acquire defensive star Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders – a move seen as the strongest declaration yet for the Super Bowl LX campaign.

Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, is regarded as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers with 42.5 sacks over the past four seasons. Adding him to an already formidable defensive front featuring Christian Barmore and Milton Williams turns the Patriots into one of the league’s most fearsome defensive units.

According to an internal source, the trade package includes: Patriots receive: Maxx Crosby (EDGE) + 2026 sixth-round pick (conditional) Raiders receive: 2026 first-round pick and 2026 third-round pick + LB Anfernee Jennings

An AFC executive commented: “This is a Super Bowl trade. If anyone is worth the Patriots going all-in for, it’s Maxx Crosby.”

In the press conference immediately after the news broke, Coach Mike Vrabel flashed a cryptic smile when asked about the prospect of coaching Crosby:

“I won’t reveal too much… but if there’s a chance to coach someone like Maxx, I think any coach would be excited. He embodies the fighting spirit – and that’s the kind of team we’re building here. Guys like him don’t just change games — they change locker rooms.”

Even more intriguing, when Crosby – during an interview in Las Vegas – was asked about the rumors linking him to New England, he responded with subtle finesse instead of dodging: “The Patriots are a team I’ve always respected. They play football the way I like — disciplined, intense, and always for the win. As for the future? I can only say… the NFL is always full of surprises.”

That brief statement was enough to send Patriots Nation into a frenzy on social media. From Foxborough to Boston, fans flooded timelines with images of “Mad Maxx” in red-and-blue jerseys alongside the caption: “Super Bowl, we’re coming.”

If this trade is finalized as projected, the Patriots will boast the infamous defensive trio: Crosby – Barmore – Williams, paired with Vrabel’s youthful linebacker corps – a steel wall capable of threatening every offense in the AFC.

And with this move, there is no doubt left: the New England Patriots have officially declared war on the entire NFL.