Maxx Crosby bids farewell to Raiders, excited for new chapter with Ravens

The two-time All-Pro edge rusher says he 'left everything I had on the table' for the Raiders but feels he 'let y'all down' by not delivering a championship.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Maxx Crosby, a standout defensive player for the Las Vegas Raiders over the past seven seasons, has been traded to the Baltimore Ravens. In an emotional 13-minute farewell video, Crosby expressed gratitude to the Raiders organization, especially owner Mark Davis, for supporting him during his 'lowest point' after his rookie season when he had to check into a rehab facility for alcohol addiction. Despite his individual success, including four double-digit sack seasons, the Raiders struggled during Crosby's tenure, reaching the playoffs just once. Crosby is now excited to join the Ravens and new head coach Jesse Minter, saying his goal remains 'winning the Super Bowl'.

Why it matters

Crosby's departure marks the end of an era for the Raiders, who have struggled to find sustained success despite having a star defensive player in Crosby. The trade to the Ravens provides Crosby with a fresh start on a team with championship aspirations, while the Raiders must now look to rebuild around a new core of players.

The details

Maxx Crosby, a fourth-round draft pick by the Raiders in 2019 out of Eastern Michigan, quickly became a Pro Bowler and one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. He recorded 69.5 sacks over seven seasons with the Raiders, including four double-digit sack campaigns. However, the Raiders went just 46-71 during Crosby's tenure, with only one winning season at 10-7 in 2021. In 2025, Crosby was shut down for the final weeks of the season due to a knee injury, though he was seen on social media engaged in physical activities that suggested he was healthy enough to play. The Raiders have now traded Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027.

  • In March 2025, the Raiders signed Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, including $91.5 million in guarantees.
  • In the 2025 season, the Raiders had a 3-14 record and shut down Crosby after Week 16 due to a knee injury.
  • On March 8, 2026, Crosby posted a farewell video to the Raiders organization and fans.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A two-time second-team All-Pro edge rusher who spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 69.5 sacks.

Mark Davis

The owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, who Crosby thanked for supporting him during his 'lowest point' after his rookie season when he had to check into a rehab facility for alcohol addiction.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who Crosby is excited to join and help the team 'get to ultimately where it needs to be, and where everybody wants to go' - winning the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“Ever since I've been here, I've had one goal and one mission. That's become the best version of myself and help bring a championship back to the Raider organization. I feel like I left everything I had on the table for this team. I've given my heart and soul, and I feel like I let y'all down.”

— Maxx Crosby (nytimes.com)

“(Davis) allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them and grow from them. I'll never forget having to check myself into rehab after my rookie season at my lowest point, and the Raider organization supported me throughout all of that. I can't thank them enough for that, because without them, I wouldn't have the opportunity to make it through that.”

— Maxx Crosby (nytimes.com)

“Flock Nation, everybody in the whole city of Baltimore, I got a lot to learn. Everything is going to be new to me. I'm excited and attacking this head-on, like I do everything else. To the fans there, I'm not going to sit here and make a bunch of grand predictions and anything of that nature. I'm going there with one purpose, and that's to help this team get to ultimately where it needs to be, and where everybody wants to go. And that's winning the Super Bowl.”

— Maxx Crosby (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Ravens will look to integrate Crosby into their defensive scheme as they aim to make a deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Crosby's emotional farewell to the Raiders highlights the challenges of building a consistent winner in the NFL, even with a star player like Crosby. His trade to the Ravens provides him with a fresh start on a team with championship aspirations, while the Raiders must now focus on rebuilding around a new core of players.