The Baltimore Ravens made one of the boldest moves of the trade window by acquiring star edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. Baltimore sent its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to Las Vegas in the deal.
This marks the second time in roughly a decade that the Raiders have traded away an elite pass rusher while he was still performing at a high level. The franchise did the same thing with Khalil Mack years ago, and now Crosby is headed east.
Advertisement
MORE: Las Vegas Raiders trade Maxx Crosby to AFC contender in huge blockbuster deal
For the Ravens, the move looks like a direct response to how competitive the AFC North has become. Adding Crosby to an already strong defensive front could swing the division’s balance of power in Baltimore’s favor.
Pressure up front matters in this division, and the quarterbacks facing the Ravens twice a year are already dealing with serious issues. Shedeur Sanders faced pressure on 52% of his dropbacks last season, one of the highest rates in the league. Dillon Gabriel was not far behind and ranked among the NFL leaders in sack rate.
Advertisement
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby
Former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Deshaun Watson’s struggles with pressure have been building for years. His pressure rates climbed from 36% to 38% and then 39% over his last three seasons as a starter, numbers that would have placed him among the ten most pressured quarterbacks in 2025.
Cleveland’s protection problems run deeper than just Watson. The Browns are losing nearly their entire offensive line this offseason and recently traded for Tytus Howard, whose pass-blocking metrics ranked among the worst for regular starters last year.
Advertisement
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not in much better shape. They continue to explore options at quarterback, including Aaron Rodgers, the most-sacked quarterback in NFL history. They are also dealing with inconsistency at left tackle. The recent hiring of Mike McCarthy presents another challenge.
MORE: Browns’ Quinshon Judkins makes interesting Todd Monken, Kevin Stefanski comparison
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby
Former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
McCarthy’s offensive approach often leaves tackles isolated against edge rushers and does not lean heavily on play-action, which puts more pressure on the line in traditional drop-back situations.
The Cincinnati Bengals dealt with their own issues last season despite keeping their offensive line relatively healthy.
They still gave up 36 sacks, a total that would rank among the top ten in the league if assigned to a single quarterback. Joe Burrow extends plays better than most, but he is not immune to getting hit.
The Ravens added Crosby knowing exactly where the AFC North is vulnerable.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:5 most overrated NFL free agents hitting the market in 2026
MLB:What drug did Jurickson Profar take? MLB announces PED use
SPORTS MEDIA:Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as ‘food addict’
VIRAL:NBC delivers epic nostalgia with ‘Throwback Tuesday’ NBA broadcast
WORLD CUP:Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump weighs in
WNBA:Players, union leaders divided, claims letter from 2-time MVP and 4-time All-Star