The AFC North just got a lot more dangerous. On March 6, the Baltimore Ravens pulled off a stunner, shipping two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) to Las Vegas for Maxx Crosby. It’s a massive swing for a Ravens defense that lacked teeth last year, and it sends a clear message to Cleveland: get ready.
Crosby isn’t just a good pass rusher; he’s a relentless force. Since entering the league, he has piled up 69.5 sacks and over 340 pressures. He lives in the opponent's backfield, leading the NFL in tackles for loss in back-to-back seasons (2022-23) and coming off yet another 10-sack campaign in 2025. Baltimore’s options for creative blitz packages has entered nightmare territory for any opposing quarterback.
For Browns GM Andrew Berry, this trade turns improving the offensive line into an even more important priority.
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Berry already took a smart first step by snagging Tytus Howard from Houston for a fifth-round pick, but that’s just step one for an O-line that is in total rebuild mode. With stalwart Joel Bitonio contemplating retirement, and Wyatt Teller alongside Jack Conklin hitting the open market, the Browns' front is in flux.
Berry needs to get aggressive, and the opportunity to do so starts next week. Whether it’s a veteran trade or a splash in free agency, landing a reliable left tackle is non-negotiable. Even if LT is addressed over the next few days, a premium draft pick for a tackle of the future needs to be strongly considered, as well as potential starters at center and guard.
That’s a lot of work for a Cleveland front office that is dealing with limited salary cap flexibility (even after Deshaun Watson’s salary conversion). Baltimore threw down the gauntlet with Crosby, it’s up to Berry to reply by building a wall.
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