The NFL offseason has already produced its share of headlines, but few moves have stunned a locker room quite like the Las Vegas Raiders’ trading of Maxx Crosby.
As the news spread across the league, reactions began pouring in from those who knew him best. Inside the Raiders’ locker room, the responses revealed just how deeply Crosby’s presence was felt.
Raiders Teammates Reflect on Maxx Crosby’s Impact After Blockbuster Ravens Trade
According to an article from PFSN’s Ben Belford-Peltzman, the Raiders agreed to send five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for first-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Draft.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter confirmed the agreement, noting that the trade cannot be officially processed until the new league year begins next week.
The move represents a major shift for both franchises. The Ravens are making an aggressive push to upgrade their defense under new head coach Jesse Minter after a disappointing 2025 season. The Raiders, meanwhile, appear to be beginning a new chapter under head coach Klint Kubiak, stockpiling draft capital to reshape the roster.
While analysts immediately began grading the trade, Crosby’s teammates focused on something more personal. Several Raiders players took to social media to express their appreciation for the defensive star who had become one of the faces of the franchise.
Defensive end Tyree Wilson shared one of the most emotional messages on Instagram while posting a clip of Crosby.
“THIS GAME GAVE ME A BROTHER FOR LIFE. YOU SHOWED ME 1ST HAND WHAT THE GRIND LOOKS LIKE WE LOCKED IN 4L IMMA STILL FIRE YOU UP EVERY WEEK GO RUN THAT SHI UP SOME MORE MORE IS REQUIRED @MAXXCROSBY LOVE YOU BOY.”
Maxx Crosby appreciating some of the love his teammates are showing on social media. Reposting Tyree Wilson’s post here pic.twitter.com/DXmehsvOw1
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) March 7, 2026
Wilson’s message highlighted the mentorship Crosby provided within the defensive line room. For younger players, Crosby’s relentless work ethic and leadership clearly left a lasting impression.
Center Jackson Powers-Johnson also paid tribute on his Instagram story, posting a photo of Crosby and writing, “Truly an honor.” The brief message still carried weight. It suggested that Crosby’s influence extended beyond the defensive side of the ball, touching teammates throughout the roster.
Other defenders echoed similar sentiments. Brennan Jackson posted a photo alongside a heartfelt message recognizing Crosby’s leadership. “Legend!! Leader!! Appreciate Everything You’ve Done! @maxxcrosby”
Meanwhile, Malcolm Koonce offered a supportive farewell of his own, writing, “Go be you brother.”
Taken together, the reactions paint a clear picture of Crosby’s standing inside the Raiders organization. While the trade signals a strategic reset for the franchise, the emotional tone of these posts shows how respected he was among teammates.
Crosby had spent seven seasons with the Raiders after being drafted in 2019, developing into one of the league’s most disruptive defenders. According to Belford-Peltzman’s article, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and regularly ranked near the top of the NFL in pressures and tackles for loss.
According to PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric, the Ravens’ defense was ranked 18th in the league last season. The acquisition provides a centerpiece defender for Jesse Minter’s system. For the Raiders locker room, however, the trade marks the departure of a leader whose influence extended far beyond statistics.
