BREAKING: Maxx Crosby Traded To Baltimore For Two First Round Picks

In the biggest trade in franchise history, the Baltimore Ravens are acquiring five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Baltimore will send first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to Las Vegas for the star defensive end. The deal is pending Crosby passing a physical, which cannot occur until the new NFL league year begins next Wednesday.

This trade represents a major philosophical shift for the Ravens. Historically, Baltimore has built its roster through the draft and rarely sacrificed premium draft capital. In fact, this marks the first time in the team’s 31-year history that it has traded a first-round pick for a veteran player.

Baltimore originally held the No. 14 overall pick in the upcoming draft, which will now head to Las Vegas. Other teams reportedly pursued Crosby as well, including the Dallas Cowboys, who offered a first- and second-round pick but were ultimately outbid.

Ravens Fix a Major Weakness

The move directly addresses Baltimore’s biggest defensive issue from last season: pass rush production. In 2025, the Ravens recorded just 30 sacks, their lowest total in 15 years. It was also the first time since the franchise’s inaugural 1996 season that no edge rusher recorded more than 4.5 sacks.

Crosby instantly changes that equation. Since entering the league in 2019, Crosby has produced 360 quarterback pressures, the most in the NFL during that span. He has also posted four double-digit sack seasons in his career. The trade also signals a bold start to the Jesse Minter era. Baltimore fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh after an 8–9 season and hired defensive-minded Jesse Minter to lead the franchise forward.

With Minter expected to call the defense, Crosby becomes the centerpiece of a unit hoping to regain its identity as one of the league’s most feared. The addition gives Baltimore its most dominant edge presence since franchise legend Terrell Suggs.

Raiders Begin Major Rebuild

For the Raiders, the move signals the start of a new rebuild under head coach Klint Kubiak.

Las Vegas now owns:

• The No. 1 overall pick

• The No. 14 overall pick

• Additional first-round capital in 2026 and 2027

Crosby’s departure follows tension late in the season when the Raiders placed him on injured reserve due to a knee injury. Despite that, he still finished the year with:

• 73 tackles

• 28 tackles for loss

• 10 sacks

• Fifth Pro Bowl selection

The Raiders are also reportedly preparing to release quarterback Geno Smith, unless a trade emerges before the new league year.

What It Means for the both teams

This trade shakes up both conferences.

Baltimore gains:

• An elite pass rusher in his prime

• Immediate defensive identity

• A potential Super Bowl piece

Las Vegas gains:

• Draft capital for a full rebuild

• Flexibility to reshape the roster

• Multiple premium picks around a potential No. 1 overall quarterback selection

For Crosby, the move finally places him on a contender after just one playoff appearance during his time with the Raiders.

And for Baltimore, it signals something rare: a franchise known for patience just made its boldest move ever.