Patriots beat reporters throws cold water on possible Maxx Crosby, A.J. Brown trades
As the NFL offseason heats up, trade rumors are swirling around some of the league’s top players. One particular rumor catching the attention of New England Patriots fans is the possibility of the team making a move for either Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby or Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown. However, according to a prominent Patriots beat writer, the team is unlikely to pursue either player due to their high asking prices.
Maxx Crosby has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL since being drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old defensive end has recorded an impressive 35.5 sacks in his first three seasons in the league, earning himself a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. With his combination of speed, power, and relentless motor, Crosby is considered a game-changing player on the defensive side of the ball.
On the other hand, A.J. Brown has quickly established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league since being selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old pass catcher has racked up over 2,000 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons in the league, showcasing his ability to make big plays down the field. With his combination of size, speed, and route-running ability, Brown is considered a dynamic playmaker in the passing game.
Both Crosby and Brown are young, talented players who would undoubtedly make an immediate impact on any team they join. However, their respective teams are reportedly asking for a high price in return for their services, which may be too steep for the Patriots to consider. The team is known for its conservative approach to trades and free agency, preferring to build through the draft and develop young talent rather than make splashy moves for established stars.
In addition, the Patriots are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase after the departure of star quarterback Tom Brady in 2020. The team has been focused on adding young talent through the draft and developing players within the system to build for the future. While Crosby and Brown would certainly provide an immediate boost to the team’s roster, their high asking prices may not align with the team’s long-term vision.
Furthermore, the Patriots have limited salary cap space to work with this offseason, making it difficult to take on the hefty contracts of either Crosby or Brown. The team has been focused on re-signing key players and filling holes in the roster with affordable free agent signings, rather than making a blockbuster trade for a high-priced player. While the team does have some flexibility to make moves if necessary, it is unlikely that they would be willing to part with the assets required to acquire either Crosby or Brown.
Despite the Patriots’ reluctance to pursue Crosby or Brown, there is no denying that both players would be valuable additions to any team in the league. Crosby’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and Brown’s knack for making big plays in the passing game could elevate the Patriots’ roster to the next level. However, it seems that the team is content to stick with its current roster and build from within rather than making a bold move for a high-priced player.
Ultimately, only time will tell whether the Patriots’ decision to pass on Crosby and Brown was the right one. While both players have the potential to be difference-makers for any team, the team’s cautious approach to trades and free agency may prove to be the best course of action in the long run. As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, Patriots fans will be watching closely to see how the team addresses its needs and builds for the future. Whether or not the team ultimately decides to make a move for Crosby, Brown, or another high-profile player remains to be seen.
Source: Sporting News
LIVE
LIVE
