The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant move, acquiring Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. In exchange, the Raiders will receive first-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
Sources confirmed that the deal, contingent on Crosby passing a physical, marks a first for the Ravens. It is the first time in the team’s 31-year history that they’ve used a first-round pick to trade for a veteran player.
Ravens Beat Cowboys to Crosby
The Ravens reportedly beat out several teams for Crosby, including the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys were willing to offer a first- and a second-round pick.
Crosby to Boost Ravens’ Pass Rush
Crosby is expected to significantly improve the Ravens’ pass rush. Last season, the team totalled 30 sacks, their fewest in 15 years.
The Ravens finished 8-9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs, leading to the dismissal of John Harbaugh. Baltimore is looking for a game-changer to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2012.
Crosby’s arrival gives the Ravens their most feared pass-rusher in his prime since Terrell Suggs. Suggs is the franchise’s all-time sacks leader who played in Baltimore from 2003 to 2018. Crosby has produced four double-digit sack seasons in his seven-year career.
- Kyle Van Noy (12.5 in 2024)
- Odafe Oweh (10 in 2024)
Since entering the league in 2019, Crosby has 360 quarterback pressures.
A Departure from Ravens’ Draft Strategy
The Ravens have historically preferred building through the draft, making this trade an uncharacteristic move. Before landing Crosby, the highest draft pick Baltimore had given up was a second-rounder for Roquan Smith in November 2022.
There have only been three drafts where the Ravens didn’t have their original first-round pick: 2004, 2010 and 2012. In each instance, the Ravens were either moving back into the first round (2003 for quarterback Kyle Boller) or falling back later in the draft to acquire more picks (2010 and 2012).
Crosby’s Exit from Las Vegas
Crosby’s future with the Raiders was uncertain towards the end of the season. The Raiders placed him on injured reserve with two games remaining due to a knee injury. Crosby was not pleased with this decision and subsequently left the building.
He initially injured his left knee on Oct. 19 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, he recorded 73 tackles.