In a bold offseason move, the Baltimore Ravens have secured a game-changer for their defense by trading with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The deal, finalized before free agency kicked off, sees the Ravens part with first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, underscoring their commitment to bolstering their defensive line.
Crosby, who spent seven productive seasons with the Raiders, had long aimed to deliver a Super Bowl to the franchise. Despite his efforts, playoff success eluded him, with just one postseason appearance and no victories. This lack of playoff glory fueled his desire for a new challenge, and while several teams showed interest, it was the Ravens who presented the most enticing offer.
On Sunday night, Crosby took to Instagram to share his excitement with Ravens fans, posting a simple yet powerful message: “RAVENS FLOCK… ITS TIME,” alongside a photo of himself in Ravens gear.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan in 2019, Crosby has defied expectations to become one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. His resume includes five consecutive Pro Bowl selections, and he's fresh off a 2025 season where he notched 10 sacks in 15 games, along with 72 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits.
In a heartfelt farewell video to the Raiders, Crosby expressed his gratitude, saying, “I can’t believe that this is real. It’s been seven years being with the nation. Raider Nation has given me everything.”
Turning his attention to Baltimore, Crosby assured fans, “The whole city of Baltimore … I’m coming in guns blazing. I’m going to be myself, and I’m going to give everything I have - my heart and soul - to be the best player I can possibly be, to help be the best leader and the best example on a daily basis.”
With Crosby's addition, the Ravens are clearly signaling their intent to make a deep playoff run. His presence on the field promises to bring a new level of intensity and leadership to Baltimore's defense, making them a team to watch in the upcoming season.