Ravens Turn Weakness Into Strength With Maxx Crosby Trade

Baltimore bolsters pass rush by acquiring five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher from Las Vegas Raiders

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. This move addresses the Ravens' biggest weakness from last season, as they had the 30th-ranked pass defense in the NFL and collected only 30 sacks, the third fewest in the league. The Ravens had to surrender first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027 to land Crosby, but the team believes this trade makes them a top contender to win the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

The Ravens' defense struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season, which is a critical component in the modern NFL's pass-heavy landscape. Acquiring Crosby, one of the league's premier pass rushers, should significantly improve the Ravens' ability to disrupt offenses and make life easier for their secondary.

The details

In seven NFL seasons, Maxx Crosby has recorded 69.5 sacks, including 10 in 2025 despite missing the last two games with a meniscus injury. He will now team up with the Ravens' young and talented defensive front, which includes defensive tackle Travis Jones and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, to form a formidable pass-rushing unit.

  • The Ravens agreed to the trade with the Raiders on Friday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who has been one of the NFL's most productive pass rushers over the past several seasons.

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' two-time MVP quarterback who is entering the prime of his career.

Eric DeCosta

The Ravens' general manager who orchestrated the trade to acquire Crosby and bolster Baltimore's pass rush.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't hype. Regardless of all the other speculation, this was by far the team's greatest need because they had the 30th-ranked pass defense in the NFL last season and collected only 30 sacks, the third fewest in the league.”

— Mike Preston, Columnist (adn.com)

“Ever since the team moved to Baltimore from Cleveland for the start of the 1996 season, the Ravens have had only a few dynamic pass rushers. Now, they finally got another one in Crosby.”

— Mike Preston, Columnist (adn.com)

What’s next

The Ravens will now look to further strengthen their roster through the upcoming NFL draft in April, where they will have the opportunity to address any remaining needs on both offense and defense.

The takeaway

By trading for Maxx Crosby, the Ravens have transformed one of their biggest weaknesses from last season into a potential strength. This move positions Baltimore as a top contender in the AFC, as they now have the pass-rushing ability to disrupt opposing offenses and support their talented secondary.