Two standout edge rushers viewed as trade candidates for Patriots - Patriots Wire

The New England Patriots may need to address their edge rusher unit after another injury landed on Harold Landry’s doorstep to begin the 2026 NFL season.

The Patriots have a productive unit when healthy, led by Landry and Dre’Mont Jones, with rookie Gabe Jacas expected to produce meaningfully for the team. However, more may be needed.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox labeled Maxx Crosby and Kayvon Thibodeaux as being two star edge rushers that the Patriots ought to trade for in 2026, in the event that they pursue a player to fill their needs in the trade market.

”If another team comes calling about Crosby, the Raiders will undoubtedly listen,” Knox said. “They're in the early stages of a rebuild and may not be ready to contend while Crosby is still in his playing prime. The asking price will be high, but teams that believe they can chase a Super Bowl are bound to target him before November 10.”

Crosby is a superstar edge rusher who has the talent to take New England over the top in the Super Bowl race. Giving up draft picks and a player or two will do the Patriots much good to stack their roster with Drake Maye, A.J. Brown, Christian Gonzalez, Romeo Doubs and Crosby as the heaviest-hitters on their team.

As for Thibodeaux, a reasonable asking price was attached to his name — one that the Patriots may be willing to pay to trade for him.

“If Thibodeaux doesn't earn a prominent role early under new head coach John Harbaugh, the Giants should listen to offers once again,” Knox said. “This time around, a third-rounder that can become a second-round pick with incentives may be enough to put him on a pass-rush-needy defense.”

Thibodeaux may be capable of returning to playing like the player who recorded 11.5 sacks in 2023. He will be a player worth pursuing in 2026.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.