Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton did not hide his reaction when longtime division rival Maxx Crosbywas traded out of the AFC West. After the Las Vegas Raiders dealt Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens on March 6, 2026, Payton joked that he was “fired up” about the move and even offered to help the star pass rusher get to his new team.
Ravens DE Maxx Crosby
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
According to reports, Payton sent Crosby a playful text message shortly after the news broke. In the message, he joked that he would pay for a private jet to take the edge rusher to Baltimore, clearly relieved that the Broncos would no longer face him twice a year in the division.
“Sean Payton called me sooo fired up the Raiders traded Maxx Crosby,” NFL insider Jay Glazershared when revealing the exchange. Payton even texted Crosby saying he would “pay a private plane one-way flight to Baltimore,” a light-hearted comment that quickly spread online among NFL fans.
Sean Payton called me soooo fired up the Raiders traded Maxx Crosby and even just texted Maxx saying he’s offering to pay a private plane one-way flight to Baltimore, happy to see him out of the division. Funny
But also added, “You are an inspiration to watch and compete…
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 7, 2026
Despite the humor, Payton also showed respect for the defender’s impact on the field. In the same message, he told Crosby, “You are an inspiration to watch and compete against,” acknowledging the edge rusher’s relentless style of play and the challenges he posed to division opponents.
Crosby spent years frustrating the Broncos while playing for the Raiders. Since entering the league in 2019, the five-time Pro Bowl defender has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most disruptive pass rushers, recording nearly 70 career sacks and hundreds of quarterback pressures.
The playful message from Payton quickly became a talking point around the league, with many fans enjoying the friendly rivalry between the coach and one of the AFC West’s most dominant defenders.
While the message showed relief, it also reflected the respect players and coaches across the NFL have for Crosby’s performance and intensity.
Maxx Crosby’s trade details and what it means for both teams
The Raiders agreed to trade Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in a blockbuster deal that included two first-round draft picks. Baltimorereportedly sent the No. 14 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft along with another first-round pick in 2027 to acquire the star pass rusher.
For Baltimore, the move signals a major investment in improving its defense. The Ravens struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks last season, and adding Crosby gives the unit a proven edge rusher.
Meanwhile, the Raiders appear to be shifting toward a roster rebuild by collecting valuable draft capital. Crosby had been one of the team’s most recognizable players and a leader on defense, but the franchise chose to move forward with a long-term plan focused on younger talent and future picks.
The trade changes how teams in the AFC West compete. With Crosby now in Baltimore, division rivals like the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers will no longer have to face one of the league’s most relentless pass rushers twice every season.
Payton’s lighthearted suggestion of a private flight captured the mix of relief and admiration for a player who consistently challenged opponents for years.
For Broncos fans and many around the league, Payton’s message added a humorous moment to one of the NFL offseason’s biggest trades. While Maxx Crosby begins a new chapter in Baltimore, the AFC West just became a little less intimidating for Denver’s offense.