Ravens Eyeing Big Trade Move After Maxx Crosby Deal

Baltimore could look to trade 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman after acquiring Maxx Crosby from Raiders.

Mar. 8, 2026 at 5:34pm

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The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire defensive end Maxx Crosby in exchange for two first-round picks. With Crosby set to join the Ravens' defense, the team could now look to make a trade that would impact their offense, with 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman potentially available.

Why it matters

The Ravens' defense struggled last season, so adding a talented pass rusher like Crosby should help shore up that unit. Meanwhile, Bateman has not quite lived up to his first-round draft status, and with the emergence of Zay Flowers as the team's top receiver, Baltimore may decide to move on from Bateman and get value in return.

The details

The Ravens will send two first-round picks (2026, 2027) to the Raiders in exchange for Crosby. Bateman, who signed a three-year, $36.75 million extension last year, had 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games last season. His best year came in 2024 when he had 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns.

  • The Crosby trade cannot be completed until the start of the league's new year on Wednesday.
  • Bateman signed his three-year extension last year.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A defensive end who the Ravens have agreed to acquire from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for two first-round picks.

Rashod Bateman

A 2021 first-round pick of the Ravens who has not quite lived up to expectations, leading the team to potentially explore trading him this offseason.

Zay Flowers

The Ravens' leading receiver in 2025 who had 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns, emerging as the team's top pass-catching threat.

Eric DeCosta

The Ravens' general manager who has expressed excitement about Bateman's future with the team.

Jesse Minter

The Ravens' new head coach who will be getting a key defensive piece in Crosby to help improve the team's struggling defense.

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What they’re saying

“I've said it a million times. I'm excited to watch Rashod this year. I think his best football is ahead of him. It's something he wanted. It's something we wanted. He's got a very bright future.”

— Eric DeCosta, Ravens General Manager

What’s next

It will be interesting to see what the Ravens could get in return for Bateman if they do decide to trade him this offseason.

The takeaway

The Ravens are making a concerted effort to improve their defense this offseason, first by acquiring Maxx Crosby from the Raiders and now potentially looking to trade 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman to address other needs on the roster.