Ravens Acquire Star Edge Rusher Maxx Crosby in Blockbuster Trade

Readers weigh in on Baltimore's high-profile move to land the Raiders pass rusher.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Baltimore Ravens have made a major splash in the offseason by trading two first-round draft picks to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The Ravens' bold move to acquire the talented pass rusher has sparked a reader poll, allowing fans to weigh in on how they grade the high-profile trade.

Why it matters

The Ravens have long been known for their stifling defense, and the addition of Maxx Crosby, one of the league's premier pass rushers, could take their defense to an even higher level. This trade signals the Ravens' commitment to contending for a Super Bowl in the near future and will have a significant impact on the team's outlook for the upcoming season.

The details

In the blockbuster deal, the Ravens sent their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Maxx Crosby, a 26-year-old defensive end who has established himself as one of the NFL's top edge rushers. Crosby has recorded 40 sacks over the past four seasons, including a career-high 12 sacks in 2025.

  • The Ravens made the trade on Friday, March 8, 2026.
  • The 2026 and 2027 first-round picks were included in the deal.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A 26-year-old defensive end who has emerged as one of the NFL's premier pass rushers, recording 40 sacks over the past four seasons.

Baltimore Ravens

The NFL franchise that has acquired Maxx Crosby in a trade, signaling their commitment to contending for a Super Bowl in the near future.

Las Vegas Raiders

The team that traded Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks.

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What they’re saying

“This is a bold move by the Ravens that could really pay off. Maxx Crosby is one of the best young pass rushers in the league, and adding him to an already strong defense makes Baltimore an even more formidable team.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens (baltimoresun.com)

“Giving up two first-round picks is a steep price, but if Crosby can help the Ravens win a Super Bowl, it will be worth it. This is the kind of high-impact move that championship teams make.”

— Ray Lewis, Former Ravens Linebacker, Hall of Famer (baltimoresun.com)

What’s next

The Ravens will now focus on integrating Maxx Crosby into their defense and ensuring he is ready to contribute at a high level for the 2026 season. Fans will be eager to see how the team's defense performs with the addition of this elite pass rusher.

The takeaway

The Ravens' trade for Maxx Crosby is a clear sign that the team is going all-in on winning a championship in the near future. By sacrificing two first-round picks, Baltimore has shown its willingness to make bold moves to improve its roster and compete at the highest level. This trade could be a game-changer for the Ravens' defense and their Super Bowl aspirations.