The NFL offseason is heating up, and the Baltimore Ravens just made one of the most aggressive moves this year. After a disappointing 2025 season, Baltimore is going all in to improve its defense under new head coach Jesse Minter. In a blockbuster move, the Ravens have acquired star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for first-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Draft.
Breaking Down the Maxx Crosby Trade Details
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders have agreed to trade five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round picks.
Schefter wrote:
“ESPN sources: the Raiders agreed to trade five-time Pro-Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks. The trade cannot be processed until next week, but it is in place. And Crosby is expected to be a Raven with two 1s back to Vegas.”
Although the deal cannot be processed until the new league year begins next week, the agreement is already in place. Crosby will soon head to Baltimore, where he is expected to become the centerpiece of Jesse Minter’s defense.
Baltimore posted one of its least productive pass-rushing seasons in years, finishing with its lowest sack total in over a decade.
Las Vegas Raiders Analysis
For the Raiders, this move signals the start of a rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
Crosby has served as one of the faces of the franchise since the Raiders drafted him in 2019.
Over seven seasons, he evolved into one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders, earning five Pro Bowl selections and frequently ranking among league leaders in pressures and tackles for loss. Tensions rose late in the 2025 season after the Raiders placed Crosby on injured reserve, despite his desire to continue playing.
The Raiders now possess both the No. 1 overall pick and another first-round selection this year, giving the franchise a strong foundation for the future.
Las Vegas Raiders Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens Analysis
Turning to Baltimore, this is a rare aggressive move from one of the NFL’s most conservative front offices. This move marks the first time in franchise history that the Ravens traded a first-round pick for a veteran player.
The move signals urgency from Baltimore after missing the playoffs in 2025 and parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh. New coach Jesse Minter now gets a defensive centerpiece to build his system around.
Crosby immediately becomes the Ravens’ top edge rusher and one of the most impactful defenders in the AFC. Despite battling a knee injury last season, he still recorded 73 tackles and 10 sacks while earning another Pro Bowl selection.
The price was steep. Giving up two first-round picks is a big investment, particularly for a team that already faces cap decisions with key players like Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely.
Baltimore Ravens Grade: A-
