Ravens Acquire Maxx Crosby in Blockbuster Trade with Raiders
The Baltimore Ravens have dramatically reshaped their defense, acquiring five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, sources reported Friday night.
A Historic Deal for Baltimore
This marks the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year franchise history that they have traded a first-round pick to acquire a veteran player. Baltimore originally held the No. 14 pick in the 2026 draft.
Raiders Receive Significant Draft Capital
The Raiders now possess the first overall pick and the No. 14 pick in April’s NFL Draft. The deal is contingent upon Crosby passing a physical, which can’t occur until the start of the recent league year on Wednesday.
Competition for Crosby Was Fierce
The Ravens weren’t alone in pursuing Crosby. The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly willing to offer a first- and a second-round pick for the star pass rusher, according to sources.
Addressing a Critical Need for the Ravens
Crosby, 28, significantly upgrades a Ravens pass rush that struggled in 2025, totaling just 30 sacks – their fewest in 15 years. Last season was too the first since the Ravens’ inaugural 1996 campaign that they didn’t have an edge rusher with more than 4.5 sacks.
New Era in Baltimore
The acquisition comes as the Ravens start a new chapter under head coach Jesse Minter, replacing the longtime coach John Harbaugh. Baltimore finished 8-9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Crosby’s Career Highlights
- Five-time Pro Bowler
- Recorded 69.5 career sacks
- Fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft
“This marks the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year existence that they’ve used a first-round pick to trade for a veteran player.”
Jamison Hensley, ESPN
Raiders’ Perspective
Crosby signed a three-year, $109.5 million extension last March, making him the highest-paid pass rusher in the league. The Raiders were reportedly open to dealing Crosby this offseason.
Recent Speculation
Rumors of Crosby’s potential dissatisfaction with the Raiders surfaced in December when the team shut him down for the final two games of the season due to a knee injury. Crosby later denied
being the source of the rumors, stating that random people
were making big statements
on his behalf.
FAQ
What did the Ravens give up for Maxx Crosby?
The Ravens traded two first-round draft picks – in 2026 and 2027 – to the Raiders for Crosby.
How many sacks did the Ravens record in 2025?
The Ravens recorded 30 sacks in 2025, tied for the third-fewest in the league.
What is Maxx Crosby’s contract status?
Crosby signed a three-year, $109.5 million extension with the Raiders last March.
The addition of Crosby instantly elevates the Ravens’ defensive profile and signals a clear intent to contend in the AFC North, a division already boasting formidable pass rushers like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt.