Ravens Trade for Maxx Crosby in Deal with Raiders

The Ravens trade for Maxx Crosby became official when Baltimore acquired the star edge rusher from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for the Ravens’ 2026 first round pick (No. 14 overall) and a 2027 first round pick.

Raiders Look Towards the Future

For the Raiders, the trade signals a move toward adding younger talent that fits their timeline.

Crosby, entering his age 29 season, has been the staple of the Raiders defense for several seasons. However, trading him maximizes his value and clears significant cap space going forward.

Because the Ravens agreed to take on Crosby’s full contract, the Raiders will save roughly $30.7 million in cap space for the 2026 season. That space gives Las Vegas flexibility to reshape the roster and pursue other moves this offseason.

The Raiders also gain pick 14 in the first round this year on top of already having the first overall pick, a pick many expect to be QB Fernando Mendoza.

With the extra pick in the first round both this year and next year, and the extra money to spend on free agents, the Raiders will look to build around their quarterback of the future.

How the Ravens Trade for Maxx Crosby Helps the Defense

For Baltimore, the move addresses a clear need on defense.

The Ravens ranked 20th in the league in total pressures during the 2025 season. They were also one of only 9 teams to allow over 6,000 passing yards over the course of the season. It became evident their defense was holding them back.

The situation could have become even more difficult this offseason. Two of the Ravens’ top three players in pressures last season, Kyle Van Noy and Dre’Mont Jones, are both set to become free agents.

Crosby immediately adds juice to this defense that they have not had in years.

Since entering the NFL in 2019, Crosby has recorded 360 total pressures, which leads the entire league. That total is 29 more than the next closest defender during that span.

His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks should make an immediate impact on the Ravens defense.

How Baltimore Secured the Deal

Acquiring Crosby required a significant investment.

The Ravens sent two first round picks to complete the trade, including the 14th overall selection in the 2026 draft and another first round pick in 2027. First round selections are among the most valuable assets teams have when building a roster.

Baltimore was not the only team pursuing Crosby. Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears reportedly made offers to the Raiders.

Dallas offered a first and second round pick, while Chicago proposed first round picks in both the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

Baltimore ultimately secured the deal because of the value of its first round pick. The Ravens held the 14th overall pick, which is 11 spots earlier than where Chicago is set to select. That higher draft position made Baltimore’s offer more attractive to Las Vegas.

For the Ravens, the move shows a clear willingness to prioritize proven production over future draft capital as they continue building around Lamar Jackson’s championship window.

A Clear Win Now Move

The Ravens have long built their identity around defense, and adding Maxx Crosby continues that tradition. With Lamar Jackson playing at an elite level and the team competing in a strong AFC, Baltimore appears focused on maximizing its chance to win now.

If Crosby continues producing at the level he has throughout his career, the move could become one of the most impactful trades of the offseason.

And of course, Crosby now gets his chance to finally chase a Super Bowl.

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Article written by Dylan Richardson. Follow him on X @DylanRchrdsn.