Maxx Crosby, Baltimore Ravens
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Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Allegiant Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens pulled off a franchise-altering move on Friday evening, making a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby was the hottest storyline in the NFL with free agency right around the corner. Plenty of teams had interest in acquiring him, but the Ravens were willing to pay the price.
In order to acquire Crosby, Baltimore had to give up two first-round picks.
With the move, it is clear that the Ravens are going all-in on pursuing a Super Bowl run in 2026. After missing the playoffs last season and parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, there is a renewed sense of urgency surrounding the franchise.
Only time will tell whether or not the trade to acquire Crosby was a good move for Baltimore. However, the team has received an ominous warning about the deal.
Baltimore Ravens Hit With Ominous Warning About Maxx Crosby Trade
Giving up two first-round picks is a hefty investment in one player. Crosby is one of the best defensive players in football, but there is no telling what the Ravens would have landed with two first-round selections.
Keeping that in mind, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak has shared his thoughts on the deal.
“As with all trades that include multiple first-round picks, this is probably a bad idea,” Solak wrote. “It is always safer to draft and develop young, cost-controlled talent. That’s the long-term view. It’s sober and wise.”
Crosby will have an opportunity to alleviate any concerns about the deal soon. If he can help lead Baltimore to a championship, no one will care about the team giving up two first-round picks. That is the goal with this kind of move.
What Does Maxx Crosby Bring to the Ravens?
At the end of the day, acquiring superstar pass rushers is never easy or cheap. It’s hard to draft and develop a player at the caliber of Crosby.
Last season with the Raiders, the 28-year-old star played in 15 games. He racked up 73 total tackles to go along with 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and six defended passes.
Throughout his entire seven-year NFL career, Crosby has played in 110 games. He has totaled 439 tackles, 69.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, an interception, and 29 defended passes.
There will be questions about whether or not the Ravens made the right decision by acquiring Crosby. No one will know the answer to those questions until Crosby’s impact on the field is actually seen. However, there are risks with this kind of blockbuster move.
Hopefully, Crosby will prove Baltimore right for believing in him and trading two first-round picks away to get him.