The Baltimore Ravens made a move that turned heads across the league just days before the NFL‘s legal tampering window opened Monday. The team finalized a deal to acquire Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler regarded as one of football’s premier pass rushers.
Crosby spent seven years with the Raiders and put together an impressive resume during that stretch. He recorded 278 solo tackles, 161 assists, 69.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and an interception.
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The Ravens surrendered two first-round picks to get the deal done, one in this year’s draft and another in 2027. In 31 years of existence, the Ravens had never traded a first-round selection for a veteran player.
The organization has built a reputation for protecting its draft capital, so parting with not one but two premium picks signals how highly they value what Crosby brings.
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ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky weighed in on the move during a recent appearance on Get Up, explaining why he believes the addition could reshape Baltimore’s defense.
“I think Max Crosby is one of the most impactful defensive players in football. I understand he’s coming off an injury. Unless you’ve watched the Raiders, you don’t understand how good this dude is,” Orlovsky said. “He’s a destructive force. Everything that we said about Micah Parsons last year going to Green Bay, we should be saying about Max Crosby going to Baltimore. He’s a destructive force. It is one of the most impactful additions you can make in the NFL. So, let’s not minimize who he is or what he can do for this football team.”
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Ravens’ Maxx Crosby move could trouble AFC quarterbacks
The fit between Crosby and new head coach Jesse Minter adds another layer to the move. Minter knows what Crosby can do from their time in the AFC West, and that familiarity should help Baltimore maximize his impact right away.
The timing also aligns with where the franchise stands. Lamar Jackson remains in his prime, and the front office appears focused on capitalizing on that window.
Former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby
Former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
For quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, that’s a problem. Right now, Nnamdi Madubuike is still recovering from a neck injury, which makes Crosby the most dependable presence on Baltimore’s defensive line.
If Madubuike returns to full strength and the two play alongside each other, the Ravens could have the kind of interior pressure that swings close games. After finishing below .500 last season, Baltimore is betting that Crosby provides the difference they need to get back into contention.
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