The Baltimore Ravens have made a massive splash in the trade market just days before the start of free agency, tapping Raiders star Maxx Crosby in exchange for two first-round picks. This move comes after months of speculation around Crosby’s future after the Raiders settled for last place in the 2025-26 regular season.
Lamar Jackson was quick to react to this massive power move by the Jesse Minter-led Ravens, sharing a GIF of Denzel Washington’s ‘Boom’ from the Oscar-winning hit ‘Training Day.’
The reaction correctly sums up the Ravens fanbase’s feelings, as Maxx Crosby, who totaled 10.0 sacks in the 2025-26 season, now heads to the AFC North to play for a defensive-minded head coach from the Harbaugh coaching tree.
The Ravens struggled massively on the defensive end last season. allowing 354.5 yards and 23.4 points per game. A 26-24 loss to the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers knocked them out of playoff contention. The loss also cost veteran head coach John Harbaugh his job.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta highlighted the issue during the NFL Draft Combine.
“When we look at the best defenses, we see a ferocious pass rush, and that was lacking this year for different reasons,” DeCosta said in February. “It’s something that we feel strongly that we can attack this year in the offseason.”
While two first-round picks seem like a high asking price for any player in the NFL, Maxx Crosby can prove to be the game-changer for the Ravens and take some pressure off of Lamar Jackson’s shoulders. The former Raiders star has a career total of 69.5 sacks (in seven seasons), more than double that of any Ravens player in that time span.
How Does Trading Maxx Crosby Affect The Raiders?
While trading a franchise cornerstone is rarely advisable, the Raiders have cleared a massive $30.69m cap space in the process. With speculations of the Mark Davis-owned franchise currently in the mix for Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, Las Vegas can find a cheaper option to plug into the defense.
The Raiders also get an option to fix their offensive line, which proved to be a big trouble for former QB Geno Smith, by drafting an OL like Spencer Fano with the Ravens’ 14th overall pick. The former Utah Utes OL showed signs of good athleticism and versatility, taking snaps at center during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.
Another option on the offensive end is former Georgia Bulldog Monroe Freeling, who ranked among the best linemen during the combine and has seen his draft stock rise since the second half of the 2025 College Football season.
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