Raiders Trade Crosby for Two 1sts
The Las Vegas Raiders are sending star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks in a blockbuster move. Meanwhile, ESPN's free agency analysis flags Travis Etienne Jr. as overrated heading into the signing period. This trade will have major implications for both teams' defenses and fantasy football rankings.
The trade for Maxx Crosby is a significant financial commitment for the Baltimore Ravens, as he carries a $30.69 million salary cap hit for the 2026 season. Crosby's contract runs through the 2029 season, and he is not scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent until 2030. This move marks the first time in the Ravens' history that they have traded a first-round pick for a player. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro, is coming off a 2025 season where he recorded 10 sacks, 73 total tackles, and his first career interception in 15 games. The 28-year-old defensive end has been a consistent force, tallying 69.5 sacks over his seven-year career. His departure from Las Vegas follows a season where he was reportedly shut down by the team for the final two games due to a lingering knee injury. In return for Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders will receive first-round picks in both the 2026 and 2027 NFL drafts. One of those picks from the Ravens is the 14th overall selection in the upcoming 2026 draft. This trade provides the Raiders with significant draft capital to rebuild their roster. Travis Etienne Jr. is heading into free agency after a productive 2025 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he rushed for 1,107 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns (seven rushing, six receiving). The Jaguars exercised his fifth-year option for the 2025 season, which was worth $6.14 million, but are not expected to use the franchise tag on him. Etienne is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. Projections for his next contract are in the range of three years and $39 million, with $20 million guaranteed. Despite his production, some analysts consider him a potentially risky signing in a free-agent market that is deep with running back talent. At 27 years old, Etienne has crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in three of his four active NFL seasons. Over his career, he has accumulated 3,798 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns, along with 1,338 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns. His performance in 2025, a contract year, has positioned him as one of the top running backs available.
