Feb 16, 2026
3 min read
Expectations for the 2026 Patriots have risen significantly.In new coach Mike Vrabel's first year, the Patriots went 14-3 during the regular season and unexpectedly advanced to the Super Bowl after going 4-13 in back-to-back seasons.Now it's time to figure out how we can get back to the Super Bowl and win it.
Patriots 2026expectations have grown considerably.
In the first year of new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots went 14-3 in the regular season and unexpectedly won the Super Bowl after back-to-back 4-13 finishes.Now they have to figure out how to get back to the Super Bowl and win it all.
Vrabel and front office executives Elliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden and John Streicher have more than $40 million in cap space (with other options to allow more) and 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Herald is publishing a five-season editorial series each day covering the draft, free agency and trades to help the Patriots return to the Super Bowl.
No.1: Trade for DE Maxx Crosby
The Patriots hold the 31st overall pick in what is considered a relatively weak draft.They can hang around and hope to land a cornerback or offensive tackle, or be proactive and send that pick (along with a player or future pick?) to the Raiders for one of the NFL's premier pass rushers.
Crosby wants to play for Vrabel, says athlete Deanna Russini.
And Wolf told the Herald the week of the Super Bowl that he would be open to a trade if it helped the Patriots in the short and long term.
"But free agency, companies, release wires, eating and drinking, all those methods I learned from Ted Thompson in Green Bay, it's probably better to avoid spending too much in free agency in most cases, and not really want to make big trades," Wolf said."I don't believe in it. I think if you have a chance to improve your list in the short term or long term, it's something you look at."
Crosby, 28, has four years and $112.93 million remaining on his contract.Selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Raiders, Crosby has 69.5 sacks over seven seasons and five Pro Bowl selections.He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2025 after a season of 10 sacks in 15 games.
He led the NFL in tackles for loss twice in his career and has 133 TFLs in seven seasons.He has collected 164 QB hits in his NFL career to go along with one interception, 29 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
In 2025, the Patriots had a strong defense, but they were more consistent inside with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore.Throw Crosby into the mix and they could have success like the Texans, Broncos and Seahawks.
Outside linebackers Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson are currently signed through the 2026 season. K'Lavon Chaisson, a 2025 pick, is among the Patriots' free agents.
Adding Crosby eats up draft capital and takes away cap space, but the Patriots can immediately convert a portion of Crosby's $30 million base salary in 2026 into a signing bonus to save $21.53 million.
Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Jaelan Phillips, Boye Mafe, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Jadeveon Clowney are PFF's top-rated free agent edge defenders.Hendrickson's contract projections are set at one year, $21 million, and Debt's at four years, $77 million.
Crosby is younger, more consistent than Hendrickson and a more complete player than Oweh.
The Patriots' loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX showed that the offensive line is still the Patriots' biggest weakness, but there is hope for the future, with players like Will Campbell and Jared Wilson likely to improve with age and experience.The Patriots also have other ways to improve at guard and tackle through free agency and the draft.
The Super Bowl also showed that one way to win is to put incredible pressure on Seattle Patriots quarterback Drake May.
A player like Crosby, combined with Williams, Barmore, Landry, Ponder and possibly Chaisson, can bring game-changing pressure from all corners, including the front seven.
Having a top quarterback like Maye and a head coach like Vrabel means the Super Bowl is on the table at least every season.But the Patriots should increase their title chances while Maye is still on his new contract.
Now is the time to make the first move, and trading Crosby qualifies.
