Patriots Predicted To Add 27-Sack 'Pass-Rushing Menace' In Draft — and more

Patriots Predicted To Add 27-Sack 'Pass-Rushing Menace' In Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots are facing a significant decision in the coming days regarding how they will manage their pass rushers.

New England may decide to part ways with pass rusher Harold Landry III, and it’s also possible that fellow pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson could leave in free agency.

The Patriots are likely to be active in the veteran free agent pass-rushing market, but they may also consider adding a young pass rusher to develop during the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN's Jordan Reid has a particular player in mind for this purpose.

Reid released a mock draft on Tuesday, featuring the Patriots selecting Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell with the 31st pick.

"Linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson is scheduled to become a free agent, but the Patriots still need help off the edge regardless of whether he returns," Reid wrote. "Leading sacker Harold Landry III (8.5 sacks) missed two games because of injury last season and will turn 30 before the upcoming campaign. Howell is a pass-rushing menace who tends to be a disruptive presence. He has an advanced repertoire of pass-rushing moves, and his 11.5 sacks last season ranked seventh among all FBS defensive linemen."

Howell played five seasons of college football, starting with three at Bowling Green before transferring to Texas A&M for his final two years. Over the course of 56 games, he recorded 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks.

More NFL: Latest Patriots Report Points To Major Spending At This Position

Ernesto Valverde is speaking live in a press conference, addressing recent developments and answering journalists' questions.

He emphasized the team's focus on upcoming matches and the importance of maintaining performance standards.

The San Francisco 49ers are emerging as a potential landing spot for a high-priced wide receiver in free agency. The player, who recently saw his 1,000-yard receiving streak come to an end, is reportedly seeking a $15 million contract.

This would be a very fun free-agent addition for the 49ers this offseason, according to reports.

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason where they're looking to bolster the roster, most notably on defense, and free agency provides the first opportunity to do so.

Last offseason, the Bears acquired left guard Joe Thuney and right guard Jonah Jackson via trades before free agency even started. They rounded that off with the signing of center Drew Dalman in free agency to complete their overhaul of the interior offensive line. This offseason, the defensive line needs a similar overhaul, and there are options in free agency, the 2026 NFL Draft and the trade market. General manager Ryan Poles also has some work to do to free up salary cap space, which means some notable Bears could be on the move.

With trade rumors heating up, here's the latest on several key Bears players who could be on the move, as well as an update on Maxx Crosby's trade potential.

DJ Moore

There's been plenty of questions about wide receiver DJ Moore's future with the Bears next season. He's set to have a team-high $28.5 million salary cap hit, and with the team currently over the cap, they need to make moves to free up space. Trading Moore would free up $24.5 million in cap space. But, with that hefty contract, would Chicago be able to find a taker? According to Brad Biggs, the Bears could find a trade partner for Moore and get a Day 2 pick for him, should that be the route they go. But it would also likely require Chicago to pay some of the money owed Moore given that contract.

Tremaine Edmunds

The Bears have granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade. It didn't come as a surprise given Edmunds was a strong candidate to be a salary cap casualty, which would free up $15 million in cap space. While many don't expect Chicago to find a trade partner, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said Edmunds has "strong trade value" and a "decent chance" to be dealt. Fowler notes that the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are among those interested.

Maxx Crosby

There's a growing belief that the Las Vegas Raiders will trade superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby this week, and it's no surprise that the Bears are among the teams showing interest. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Chicago is "keeping tabs" on the Crosby situation, along with several other teams. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero also believes the Bears would be a fit for Crosby. Pelissero said: "They feel like they're close, they were right there at the end in the playoffs. Could Maxx Crosby be somebody who puts them over the top and elevates that pass rush. I think that would be a fit."

Tyson Bagent

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has garnered plenty of trade interest given the weak quarterback market in free agency, and general manager Ryan Poles said they've gotten a few calls. Listening to Poles and head coach Ben Johnson at the NFL combine last week, it's clear Chicago doesn't want to trade Bagent. But they also understand the potential of getting significant compensation this offseason coupled with Bagent's contributions to this team as a top backup to Caleb Williams. According to Brad Biggs, the Bears would probably require a Day 2 pick for Bagent.

Gervon Dexter Sr.

One of the more surprising names mentioned in trade rumors involving the Bears is defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract. But Brad Biggs from the Chicago Tribune set the record straight about those Dexter trade rumors. "They're not taking (trade) calls on him. They're not making calls on him." Defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need on the Bears' roster, and they currently have just two under contract in Dexter and veteran Grady Jarrett. Chicago will be adding to the defensive tackle group, not taking away from it.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears trade rumors: Latest on DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, Maxx Crosby

The NFL Combine has come and gone, and the Cleveland Browns are now one step closer to landing another class of rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While the Browns filled one need before the draft, trading for right tackle Tytus Howard, they still have plenty of holes left to fill offensively. These needs include offensive tackle, wide receiver, and interior offensive line. Those holes could all be filled by rookies, but we will have a better idea of who they could look to target after the beginning of NFL free agency next week.

The NFL Combine is just one more opportunity to get a great look at players who could be available later this Spring. If you missed all of the highlights, have no worries!

If you want to know what all went down at the NFL Combine this week, listen in to this recap episode by the Daft on Draft Podcast! It can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns NFL Draft: Everything you may have missed from the NFL Combine