Seven months after Micah Parsons’ blockbuster trade to the Packers, another premier edge-rusher will see a change of scenery. The Las Vegas Raiders are shipping off superstar DE Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. With how the relationship between the Raiders and Crosby has soured the past couple of months, the move felt inevitable. The Ravens will get a big boost for their championship hopes, and the Raiders solidify some much-needed ammunition for a rebuild. It seems like a win-win situation for both teams, but will the move turn out the way we expect it to?
Crosby’s time with the Raiders
Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Drafted in 2019, Maxx Crosby has consistently been one of the most fearsome defenders in the game. In seven years with the silver and black, Crosby’s racked up 69.5 sacks, 133 TFLs and 277 solo tackles. Among all defensive linemen since he entered the league, he ranks first in TFLs and solo tackles, second in pressures and hits, fourth in batted passes and fifth in sacks. He’s been a one-man army for most of his career with Vegas, and was the big face of the franchise.
Baltimore’s need at the position
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green (45), offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten (70) and defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) walk off the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
For a team who’s identity is intertwined with harassing opposing QBs, the Ravens have struggled to get home recently. With a mysterious injury sustained by Nnamdi Madabuike sidelining him for all of last year, the club’s pass-rush was among the worst in the NFL. Baltimore’s sack percentage ranked 31st among all defenses, and none of their players logged more than five sacks on the year.
Crosby’s dissatisfaction with the Raiders
Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts following the game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s no secret that 2025 was a long humiliation ritual for the Raiders. An offseason of splash moves eventually culminated into a disaster of a 3-14 campaign. With how things were unfolding, the front office appeared content with letting the year run its course in order to secure the first overall selection. Maxx Crosby however did not share those ambitions. As someone known for his motor and resilient play, he would not stand by and watch as opposing offenses went rampant on his team. With his efforts potentially jeopardizing Las Vegas’ tank, the Raiders opted to get rid of their roadblock and decided to shut down Crosby for the last two games of the season. The star Edge Rusher did not appreciate this decision, and infamously stormed out of team facilities when he found out about the news.
Murmurings of a trade
Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This drama sparked a debate on Crosby’s future with the franchise. Pair his dissatisfaction with the fact that the Raiders would benefit from capitalizing on his value while it’s still high before initiating their rebuild, all signs pointed towards a divorce between the two sides. It takes two to tango though, and the question remaining was who would match the Raiders’ price for Crosby?
The trade
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Baltimore called, and the Raiders answered. The Ravens will be sending their upcoming two first round selections in order to secure Maxx Crosby. This trade gives the Raiders the rights to not just the first overall pick but the 14th selection as well. It’s a blockbuster move that will define the future of these two organizations.
Las Vegas’ future
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Now, the Raiders must pivot and allocate their draft capital and newfound cap space towards building a foundation for their soon to be franchise signal-caller. Fernando Mendoza (who is all but guaranteed to be a Raider) can be a great QB with the proper environment around him. While his demeanor will allow him to always get back up after a big hit, it’s best to guarantee that he can rely on the rest of his squad so as to not turn his famous smile upside down.
The importance of avoiding past mistakes
Dec 3, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) talks with defensive end Khalil Mack (52) after the game against the New York Giants at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
This is a familiar situation for Las Vegas. Previously, they kickstarted a rebuild by trading away a different premier defensive end. Khalil Mack was moved to the windy city in exchange for two firsts, a third and a sixth round selection. Those picks became Josh Jacobs, Damon Arnette, Bryan Edwards and Blessuan Austin. Of those players, Jacobs is the only player whom you could consider a true contributor. Even so, his time in Las Vegas ended along with his rookie contract, and he now headlines the ground game in Green Bay. The Raiders’ newfound treasures seem enticing at first. However, they won’t result in much if John Spytek repeats his predecessors’ mistakes.
The Ravens get a massive boost
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
It’s hard to put into perspective how big this addition is for the Ravens. While the flashy stats lie in the pressures and sacks, Maxx Crosby is also a terror against the run. According to Benjamin Solak, over the last four seasons, Maxx Crosby has 45 TFLs on designed running plays. That number puts him ahead of the next closest player by 15 TFLs. Now with Jesse Minter calling the shots, Crosby will be able to play with a defense that doesn’t solely rely on his superhuman abilities in order to win.
The AFC North effect
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser (54) sack Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-17. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 475
The perennial bloodbath that is the AFC North has a new killer on the block. Maxx Crosby joins Myles Garret and TJ Watt as one of the division’s elite Edge Rushers. While it’ll be fun seeing the three race to surpass each others’ season totals, what matters most here is the opposing offenses Crosby will disrupt. The Bengals allowed 36 sacks despite fielding one of the healthier offensive lines in the game. The Browns are grasping at straws in order to replace multiple starters on their line. And the Steelers still seem to have a vulnerability at left tackle, which will rear its ugly head considering Mike McCarthy’s tendency to leave tackles on an island. This all adds up to Crosby having plenty of opportunities to dominate in the trenches, which by itself will be a boon for Baltimore.
A change in philosophy
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Jamison Hensley, for the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year history, the franchise will use a first round pick to trade for a player. Given how the Ravens are famous for their elite drafting, it comes as sort of a surprise that they’re willing to give away these assets for a player even of Maxx Crosby’s caliber. However, it all becomes clear when looking at their cap situation, and Eric DeCosta.
Looking at the upcoming Lamar Jackson extension, the Ravens could be on the cusp of being a rebuilding team soon. If they’re unable to go all the way before their window closes, they’ll likely go for years without getting close to Super Bowl ring. Time is of the essence, and the clock is already ticking down.
Furthermore, following the team’s divorce with long-time head coach John Harbaugh, all cards are on the table for their GM. If DeCosta struggles to field a contending team in the next few years, who’s to say his head won’t be on the platter next? With his job on the line, if he fails, those future assets he’s sending away won’t be his to spend anyways. What matters for him now is cooling his seat, and if Crosby leaves the impact analysts think he will, the headache of working without a first rounder will be a lot easier to deal with.
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