The Baltimore Ravens bolstered their roster in a major way Friday night, acquiring Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Crosby, 28, has been the heart and soul of the Raiders since joining the franchise in 2019, racking up 439 total tackles, 164 QB hits, 69.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. Although he's under contract through the 2029 season, his timeline just didn't line up with head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek's in Las Vegas.
In order to secure this deal for Crosby, the Ravens agreed to send their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to the Raiders. The trade will be processed at the start of the new league year.
ESPN's Jamison Hensley pointed out this is the first time in Baltimore's team history that it traded a first-round pick for a player.
"For the first time in the Ravens' 31-year history, the franchise will use a first-round pick to trade for a player," Hensley said. "Baltimore acquires Maxx Crosby after a season in which it recorded its fewest sacks in 15 years."
Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts after the Chicago Bears jumped the snap in the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports © Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The Ravens are in Super Bowl or bust mode.
While it could take time for first-year head coach Jesse Minter to work out any issues in Baltimore, the fans might not be that patient. This roster is built to win a championship, especially if Lamar Jackson stays healthy.
As of this Saturday, the Ravens have the third-best odds (+1000) to win Super Bowl LXI.
Will the Ravens finally get over the hump and win the AFC? Only time will tell.
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