Raiders Trade Crosby to Ravens
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly trading star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks. This blockbuster deal signals a new era for both franchises — the Ravens doubling down on their pass rush for a championship run, while the Raiders collect draft capital to rebuild. The Raiders also released quarterback Geno Smith in other offseason moves.
The Baltimore Ravens' acquisition of Maxx Crosby marks a significant departure from their long-standing team-building philosophy; this is the first time in the franchise's 31-year history that they have traded a first-round pick for a player. The move signals an aggressive, all-in approach under new head coach Jesse Minter, as the team parted with its 2026 (No. 14 overall) and 2027 first-round selections. This trade directly addresses a glaring weakness for Baltimore. After a dominant 2023 season where their defense led the league in sacks, the pass rush faltered significantly in 2025, recording a meager 30 sacks for the entire season. With key contributors on the defensive line like Dre'Mont Jones and Kyle Van Noy entering free agency, a major overhaul was necessary to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler, brings an immediate and elite impact. Over the past four seasons, he has accumulated 44.5 sacks and is known for his relentless motor, a quality the Ravens have historically coveted in their defensive players. He is under contract through the 2029 season and carries a salary cap hit of over $30 million for the 2026 season. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this trade accelerates a full-scale rebuild under new General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Klint Kubiak. The team is coming off a dismal 3-14 season in 2025, finishing 25th in the league in points allowed per game and 32nd in points scored. The addition of a second first-round pick in 2026 gives the Raiders significant draft capital to address numerous roster holes. The franchise already holds the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft and is widely expected to select a quarterback. This move echoes the 2018 trade of Khalil Mack, which also netted the Raiders two first-round picks, though the success of this new era will depend on their ability to capitalize on these high-value selections.
