Ravens Acquire Maxx Crosby in Blockbuster Trade with Raiders

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — In a franchise-altering move, the Baltimore Ravens have acquired five-time Pro Bowl defensive finish Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday night. The deal is contingent upon Crosby passing a physical when the new league year begins on Wednesday.

This marks the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year history that they have traded a first-round pick for a veteran player. Baltimore originally held the No. 14 pick in the 2026 draft.

Ravens Beat Out Cowboys for Crosby

The Ravens reportedly outmaneuvered the Dallas Cowboys, who were prepared to offer a first- and second-round pick for the star pass rusher, according to sources.

Addressing a Critical Demand

Crosby, 28, is expected to significantly bolster a Ravens pass rush that struggled in 2025, recording a mere 30 sacks – the fewest in 15 years. It was also the first season since the franchise’s inaugural 1996 campaign that Baltimore didn’t have an edge rusher with more than 4.5 sacks.

A New Era for the Ravens

The acquisition of Crosby represents an uncharacteristic splash for the Ravens, who finished 8-9 in 2025, failed to reach the playoffs, and subsequently fired longtime coach John Harbaugh. The team is hoping Crosby will be a key piece in returning to Super Bowl contention, something they haven’t achieved since winning the title after the 2012 season.

Crosby’s arrival gives the Ravens their most impactful pass rusher since Terrell Suggs, the franchise’s all-time sack leader who played for Baltimore from 2003 to 2018. Crosby has registered four seasons with double-digit sacks in his seven-year career. In comparison, the Ravens have only had two edge rushers reach 10 or more sacks in a season: Kyle Van Noy (12.5 in 2024) and Odafe Oweh (10 in 2024).

Raiders’ Perspective: A Shift Towards Rebuild

The Raiders had previously expressed their desire to retain Crosby, with owner Mark Davis, general manager John Spytek, and coach Klint Kubiak all indicating their expectation that he would remain with the team in 2026. However, the relationship had deteriorated.

Since being drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby has consistently been one of the league’s top defensive players. Despite his performance and leadership, his contributions were rarely rewarded with team success. Crosby only reached the postseason once (a loss in 2021) and endured five losing seasons, five different head coaches, and four general managers during his tenure in Las Vegas.

The Raiders’ disappointing 2025 season, finishing with a 3-14 record, appeared to be the breaking point. Despite giving Crosby a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension in March 2025, the team struggled, with starting quarterback Geno Smith throwing a league-high 17 interceptions. The team ultimately fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon mid-season.

The hiring of Kubiak signaled a shift towards a full rebuild for the Raiders, who now possess the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. While the Raiders have promising young players like running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, they face a significant challenge before becoming playoff contenders.

Crosby, seeking to compete for championships, expressed his desire to be “the face of winning.”

Jamison Hensley’s Background

Jamison Hensley has been ESPN’s Baltimore Ravens reporter since 2013. He joined ESPN in 2011, initially covering the AFC North for two seasons. Hensley is also a Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award winner (2018) and authored the book “Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens.” He previously served as the Ravens beat writer for The Baltimore Sun from 2000 to 2011.