Raiders trade star DE Maxx Crosby to Ravens in blockbuster deal

The move gives the Raiders significant draft capital and cap space to rebuild, while the Ravens add a game-changing pass rusher.

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:50pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders have traded star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster deal. Crosby, who was always passionate about playing for the Raiders, ultimately wanted to move on to a team with a better chance of contending for a championship. The Ravens gave up two first-round picks over the next two years, including the 14th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, to acquire Crosby, one of the league's premier pass rushers. For the Raiders, the trade allows them to kickstart a much-needed rebuild, as they now have 11 draft picks this year and two first-rounders in 2027.

Why it matters

This trade represents a major shift for both franchises. For the Raiders, it signals the start of yet another rebuild, as the team has struggled with coaching changes and roster turnover in recent years. The influx of draft capital and cap space gives them a chance to restock the roster and get back to contention. For the Ravens, adding a dominant edge rusher like Crosby could be the missing piece to their championship aspirations, as they look to improve a defense that struggled to generate consistent pressure last season.

The details

Crosby, who is approaching his 29th birthday, made it clear to the Raiders that he wanted to play for a team with a better chance of winning now. The Ravens, sensing an opportunity to land an elite pass rusher, agreed to give up two first-round picks over the next two years, including the 14th overall selection in the 2026 draft. The Raiders, facing yet another rebuild, decided to maximize the return for their star defensive end rather than risk losing him in free agency down the line.

  • Crosby, 28, has spent his entire 6-year NFL career with the Raiders since being drafted in the 4th round in 2019.
  • The trade was completed on March 7, 2026, just ahead of the start of the new league year.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 28-year-old defensive end who has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL over the past several seasons, recording 69.5 sacks and 164 quarterback hits in his career so far.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who was able to secure a significant haul of draft capital in exchange for Crosby.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who will be tasked with integrating Crosby into the team's defense and maximizing his talents.

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What they’re saying

“Maxx Crosby was always earnest in the devotion he expressed for his beloved Raiders. And if he truly had it his way, he would have spent his entire career in silver and black, triumphantly hoisted a Lombardi Trophy or two and cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats while playing every down of his career with the same franchise that drafted him.”

— Vincent Bonsignore, Author

“In a league in which the margin of victory is so slim and the fourth quarters are so critical, Crosby's dominance in crunch time could be the difference in the Ravens securing victories in games they have shown a propensity to lose recently.”

— Vincent Bonsignore, Author

What’s next

The Ravens will look to integrate Crosby into their defense and maximize his talents as they aim to contend for a Super Bowl championship. The Raiders, meanwhile, will use their newfound draft capital and cap space to rebuild the roster through the draft and free agency.

The takeaway

This trade represents a high-stakes gamble for both teams. The Ravens are betting that Crosby can be the missing piece to their championship puzzle, while the Raiders are hoping to kickstart a long-overdue rebuild with the significant assets they acquired. The success or failure of this deal will likely be determined over the next several years as both teams work to reshape their rosters.