Ravens Swing Big in Free Agency with Maxx Crosby Trade

New head coach Jesse Minter gets major boost with blockbuster deal for star edge rusher.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Baltimore Ravens made a bold move in the NFL free agency period, trading two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. This trade is seen as a signal of the Ravens' intent to contend for the Super Bowl in 2026, offsetting the losses of Tyler Linderbaum and Isaiah Likely in free agency. NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha has named Ravens head coach Jesse Minter a big winner of free agency, noting that the Crosby trade will be a huge boost to the team's defense.

Why it matters

The Ravens have long been known for their defensive prowess, but the unit has disappointed in recent seasons. The addition of Maxx Crosby, one of the league's elite pass rushers, should significantly improve the Ravens' defense and make them a formidable contender in the AFC. However, questions remain about the team's offense, especially with the departures of Linderbaum and Likely.

The details

The Ravens sent two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Maxx Crosby, a 26-year-old defensive end who has emerged as one of the NFL's top pass rushers. Crosby recorded 12.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss last season, and his presence should help offset the losses of Linderbaum and Likely on the offensive side of the ball.

  • The Ravens made the trade for Maxx Crosby as the NFL free agency period opened in March 2026.

The players

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, tasked with returning the team to the playoffs and improving their defense.

Maxx Crosby

A 26-year-old defensive end who was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks.

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, who executed the blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby.

Lamar Jackson

The star quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, who will be looking to lead the team to the Super Bowl in 2026.

Tyler Linderbaum

The Ravens' starting center who departed the team in free agency.

Isaiah Likely

The Ravens' tight end who also left the team in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“The Baltimore Ravens' new head coach is supposed to return that team to the postseason and improve a defense that disappointed far too often over the last two seasons. He received a huge boost in his pursuit of both those goals when general manager Eric DeCosta executed the blockbuster trade agreement for star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.”

— Jeffri Chadiha, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Ravens will now look to integrate Maxx Crosby into their defense and continue to build around Lamar Jackson on offense as they aim to make a deep playoff run in 2026.

The takeaway

The Ravens' bold move to acquire Maxx Crosby signals their intent to contend for the Super Bowl in 2026. While questions remain about their offense, the addition of one of the NFL's elite pass rushers should significantly improve their defense and make them a formidable team in the AFC.