Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Ravens sent shockwaves through the NFL on Friday night, agreeing to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for five-time Pro Bowl defensive conclude Maxx Crosby. The move, a significant investment for a team looking to return to Super Bowl contention, comes just before the start of the new league year on Wednesday.
In exchange for Crosby, the Ravens are sending the Raiders two first-round draft picks – in 2026 and 2027, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Athletic. This marks only the 15th time in NFL history that two first-round selections have been used in a single trade. The deal is contingent upon Crosby passing a physical, which can’t occur until the league year officially opens.
The acquisition of Crosby addresses a critical need for the Ravens, who struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Baltimore totaled just 30 sacks last season, their fewest in 15 years, and hadn’t seen an edge rusher record more than 4.5 sacks since their inaugural 1996 campaign. Crosby, known for his relentless motor and disruptive play, instantly elevates the Ravens’ defensive front.
“Here’s a game changer for us,” a source within the Ravens organization told Archysport, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We needed a consistent pass rush threat, and Maxx provides that. He’s a leader, a playmaker, and he fits the culture we’re building here.”
The trade comes after a disappointing 2025 season for Baltimore, where they finished 8-9 and failed to reach the playoffs, ultimately leading to the firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh. New head coach Jesse Minter, now tasked with revitalizing the Ravens’ defense, will look to Crosby to anchor his unit. The Ravens beat out several other teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, who were reportedly willing to offer a first- and second-round pick for Crosby’s services.
Crosby, 28, has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019. Despite the team’s struggles, he consistently delivered strong performances, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections. In 2025, Crosby recorded 10 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and 28 tackles for loss. He signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension on March 5, 2025, demonstrating the Raiders’ commitment to him at the time.
The Raiders’ decision to trade Crosby signals a clear shift in direction for the franchise. The team is reportedly also planning to release quarterback Geno Smith, a move that will free up $8 million in salary cap space, according to ESPN. Smith was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round draft pick and subsequently signed to a two-year, $75 million contract extension.
For the Ravens, acquiring Crosby represents an uncharacteristic willingness to sacrifice future draft capital for immediate impact. General Manager Eric DeCosta, known for his emphasis on building through the draft, clearly felt the urgency to address the team’s pass-rushing deficiencies. It’s the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year history that they’ve traded away a first-round pick to acquire a veteran player.
Crosby’s contract carries a $30.7 million salary cap hit for the 2026 season and $29.7 million for 2027. He is under contract through the 2029 season, though a potential renegotiation with the Ravens could be on the horizon.
The impact of this trade extends beyond the field. Crosby’s arrival in Baltimore immediately makes the Ravens a more formidable contender in the AFC. The team will need to integrate him quickly into their defensive scheme, but his talent and work ethic are expected to make the transition seamless.
The Ravens will next be in action for their offseason training activities, scheduled to commence in May. All eyes will be on how Crosby integrates into the new defensive system under Coach Minter. The team’s first preseason game is scheduled for August 9th against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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