The AFC North now has to be reset.
Pass rusher Maxx Crosby is now headed to Maryland.On March 6, 2026, the Baltimore Ravens reportedly agreed to acquire the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. For the first time in the history of the organization, the Ravens traded their first-round pick for a veteran player.
The move significantly reshapes the AFC North by addressing the Baltimore Ravens’ primary weakness and capitalizing on their rivals’ defensive instability. But there are some other reasons too.
Neutralizing Divisional Quarterbacks
The AFC North features high-caliber passers in Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Also, the division features a surging Steelers offense that won the division in 2025. Crosby recorded ten sacks and 53 pressures in 2025. He will provide the elite pass-rushing abilities the team lacked to disrupt opponents.
Pass Rush Vacuum
Baltimore ranked 30th in the NFL in sacks (30) last season. Adding Crosby, a player with 69.5 career sacks, immediately shifts the defensive advantage back towards the Ravens. With multiple stops on defense, they can generate points on the offensive side of the football. Also, the offense of the Ravens can put up points at a consistent rate with everyone healthy.
Crosby against the Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals refused to franchise tag pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is set to become a free agent. As the Bengals’ pass rush faded, the Ravens aggressively upgraded theirs. This creates a significant contrast in defensive talent between the two teams.
Crosby against the Pittsburgh Steelers
While the Pittsburgh Steelers boasted a top ten defense in 2025, they are in a rebuilding stage with their secondary in 2026. Maxx Crosby’s arrival allows Baltimore to rival Pittsburgh’s identity as a defensive powerhouse led by elite edge talent.
Uniting with Jesse Minter
Jan 29, 2026; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Jesse Minter at press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images
New head coach Jesse Minter often employs two high safety looks, which requires the defensive front to win battles to generate pressure. The relentless motor of Crosby and the ability to win on the edge are perfect for Minter’s defensive scheme.Crosby will be joining a unit featuring Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and Nnamdi Madubuike. This creates a formidable defensive spine for a team looking to return to the Super Bowl after a disappointing 8-9 season.
Main Image: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images