Eliot Wolf discusses the Patriots’ free agent acquisitions, and moves that might come

1. Were the Patriots in on Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby?

“We make a lot of exploratory calls,” Wolf said. “I’ll just leave it at that.”

Crosby, who will turn 29 in August, was one of the top trade targets available this offseason, after his seven-year tenure with the Raiders appeared to have soured.

Last Friday, the Raiders and Ravens had agreed to a deal that was supposed to send Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks. But the blockbuster trade fell apart Tuesday evening because of medical concerns that resulted in a failed physical.

“I didn’t know too much about it,” Wolf said. “I think every team and general manager in the league has to act in the faith of what they think is best for their team. That one was maybe a little unusual, but that’s their business.”

So, now that Crosby is back on the market, might the Patriots be interested?

Wolf said he would have to consult director of research Richard Miller, who is responsible for managing the organization’s salary cap.

“We’ll look into any player that we think can help us,” Wolf said.

Wolf pushed back on an ESPN report that said Raiders minority owner Tom Brady would not have sent a player of Crosby’s caliber to Mike Vrabel and the Patriots.

“I’d be surprised if that was true,” Wolf said. “I have a really good relationship with John Spytek, the Raiders general manager. We speak about a variety of things. That’s never been a thing.”

Upgrading their pass rush was an offseason priority for the Patriots, who signed Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $39.5 million deal. The team still needs to beef up its presence on the edge, with limited options remaining on the free agent market. A swing for Crosby likely won’t cost two first-round picks anymore, but would still require meaningful draft capital.

The most likely outcome is the Patriots spending a high draft pick on an edge rusher.

2. What about Eagles receiver A.J. Brown? Are the Patriots exploring a potential trade?

“We’ll explore anything that we think can help the team,” Wolf said.

Based on the finances alone, there is no urgency for the Eagles to get a deal done. If they trade Brown before June 1, they will absorb $43.4 million in dead money and lose $20.1 million in cap space. After June 1, the Eagles would create just $16.4 million in dead money while opening up $7.04 million in room.

The Eagles can afford to be patient, waiting for a trade with compensation to their liking. The price may drop after June 1.

Do the Patriots feel as though there is a deadline on their end?

“I think the only real deadlines you have are sort of salary cap-related,” Wolf said. “For instance, did we spend money in free agency that would take us out of something else? I wouldn’t say there’s a deadline in trying to improve the team.”

Asked if the Patriots spent too much to be involved in talks about players with bigger contracts (e.g. Brown), Wolf wouldn’t say. Brown’s cap number for the 2026 season is currently $23.4 million, which would be the third-highest on the Patriots behind defensive tackle Milton Williams and right guard Michael Onwenu.

“I’m not going to talk about the specific player that’s under contract with another team,” he said. “We’re happy with the guys that we’ve signed. We think we’ve improved our team.”

3. Wolf said a “variety of factors” went into the decision to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs, but the Patriots would still keep the door open on a potential return.

“We have nothing but respect for Stefon,” Wolf said. “He was an absolute warrior for us, as I said to him multiple times after games.”

Diggs is currently unsigned. Prior to his release, his cap number was going to be $26.5 million. If the deal for Brown doesn’t come together, and Diggs hasn’t signed elsewhere, maybe a reunion at a cheaper figure is in store.

As of now, newly signed Romeo Doubs is projected as the team’s top receiving option. According to Wolf, Doubs was learning formations on his iPad while the team was getting him to sign his contract.

Wolf praised Doubs for his route variance as well as his ability to play outside and inside.

4. At the conclusion of the postseason, in which rookie Will Campbell struggled in pass protection, both Vrabel and Wolf were quick to stand by Campbell as a left tackle. Asked why they didn’t take more time on the decision to possibly move Campbell inside to left guard, Wolf indicated the front office already knew they weren’t any superior alternatives.

“We know who the free agents are going to be at left tackle, we know who’s in the draft at left tackle, we know we’re picking 31st,” he said. “If there’s somebody that’s a better left tackle than WIll Campbell that’s available, we’ll look at anything. Just not sure how realistic that is at this time.”

The Patriots are already making a significant change to their offensive line, moving rookie left guard Jared Wilson to center. The current plan is for newly signed Alijah Vera-Tucker, who boasts versatility to play at multiple positions, to take over at left guard.

Vera-Tucker has battled injuries throughout his career — he missed the 2025 season due to a torn triceps — but Wolf called him “one of the best guards in the NFL” in 2024. Despite his injury history, the Patriots felt comfortable taking a risk on the upside because of his film and youth.

5. Wolf reiterated the Patriots plan to sign cornerback Christian Gonzalez to an extension.

“It’s no secret that we’d like to keep Christian Gonzalez,” he said. “I don’t know what the timing of that is, but that’s something that we’re certainly preparing for.”

Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.