Latest reports suggest Patriots are unlikely to land big-name edge rusher

Edge rusher is a reasonably large want for the Patriots this offseason, and the group appears to know that. Nonetheless, they won’t be capable to purchase any of the highest edge rushers in the marketplace this offseason.

The Patriots’ entrance workplace is anticipating the group to be priced out of touchdown Trey Hendricks of the Bengals, Jaelan Phillips of the Eagles, and Odafe Oweh of the Chargers in free company, the Boston Herald‘s Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed reported. It’s additionally believed that the Raiders aren’t in a rush to commerce Maxx Crosby, because it’s doable he might stay in Vegas till the week of the NFL Draft, in keeping with Callahan and Kyed.

MassLive’s Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian additionally reported Friday that whereas the Patriots are followers of Hendrickson and Phillips, it’s unclear how a lot the group could be keen to spend to be able to land one of many two standout edge rushers.

Hendrickson, Phillips, and Oweh are all broadly considered as a number of of the highest general out there free brokers this offseason. Some prime free-agent lists even have Hendrickson at No. 1. Hendrickson recorded 57 sacks in his first 4 seasons in Cincinnati earlier than posting a four-sack season in 2025, lacking 10 video games as a result of a hip damage.

Phillips, in the meantime, was linked to the Patriots earlier than the Dolphins traded him to the Eagles forward of the commerce deadline in November. Though he solely had 5 sacks final season, Phillips logged 44 pressures in simply 9 video games after getting traded to the Eagles, per Professional Soccer Focus. He completed the common season with 73 whole pressures consequently, which was prime 10 amongst all edge rushers.

Oweh was additionally moved on the commerce deadline, going from the Ravens to the Chargers. He had 7.5 sacks in 12 video games with Los Angeles after logging 10 sacks in Baltimore a yr prior.

As for Crosby, he could be the highest edge rusher to modify groups this offseason if the Raiders decide to commerce him. The five-time Professional Bowler was reportedly upset with the group’s choice to close him down on the finish of the 2025 season, resulting in commerce hypothesis in latest weeks. Reviews emerged this week that the Raiders were looking for at least two first-round picks for Crosby, though Las Vegas common supervisor John Spytek mentioned the team wasn’t looking to trade him.

There are another notable names at edge rusher that may very well be out there in free company this offseason, together with the Patriots’ personal Ok’Lavon Chaisson. In his first yr in New England, Chaisson recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks within the common season and added three extra within the playoffs.

The Seahawks’ Boye Mafe can be amongst that group of veteran edge rushers anticipated to hit the open market. New England had curiosity in Mafe forward of the commerce deadline, however Seattle stored him. Whereas Mafe solely recorded two sacks within the common season, he logged 44 pressures in 2025, per PFF.

New England is armed with roughly $40 million in cap house this offseason.

In fact, the Patriots might additionally decide to bolster their move rush within the draft. Though they’ve the thirty first decide within the 2026 NFL Draft, this yr’s class is considered to be deep at edge rusher.

Missouri’s Zion Younger has emerged as an early favourite for the Patriots, as he has some followers of his play within the group, in keeping with Daniels and Guregian. Younger had 6.5 sacks this previous season, however his 52 pressures had been 18th amongst all edge rushers, whereas his 15 quarterback hits ranked fourth within the nation.

Younger informed reporters that he met with the Patriots on the mix this week. He additionally participated in on-field drills, however didn’t do any of the athletic testing.