The Baltimore Ravens came into 2025 looking like one of the most complete teams in the league-on paper. But when the games kicked off, it didn’t take long to realize that something just wasn’t clicking. Both sides of the ball had their flashes, but the overall picture was one of inconsistency, missed opportunities, and a team that simply couldn’t put it all together when it mattered most.
At the heart of Baltimore’s struggles were two glaring issues that loomed large from the start: the interior offensive line and the pass rush. These weren’t surprise concerns-everyone knew the guards were unproven, and the defensive front had question marks.
The hope was that the Ravens could coach around those weaknesses or see young talent emerge. Instead, those two areas became the Achilles’ heel of a team with serious postseason aspirations.
Let’s start with the defense, specifically the pass rush under first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. This unit had its moments, but far too often, it couldn’t seal the deal.
Blown leads became a defining feature of the Ravens’ season, and that’s not a label any defense wants to wear. Time and again, Baltimore failed to generate pressure in critical moments, allowing opposing quarterbacks to mount comebacks that never should’ve happened.
In today’s NFL, if you can’t close games with your pass rush, you’re not winning in January-period.
Now, looking ahead to 2026, the Ravens are staring down a crossroads. The defensive front needs a difference-maker, and the upcoming free agent market doesn’t offer many game-changers. But one name might be surfacing as a potential solution: Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end is reportedly being shut down for the final two games of the season due to a knee injury-an injury he’s been playing through for most of the year. Crosby didn’t take the news well, and according to reports, he left the building after disagreeing with the team’s decision. That kind of tension, especially on a 2-13 team eyeing the No. 1 overall pick, could open the door for a blockbuster move.
And if that door cracks open, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needs to kick it off the hinges.
Crosby is a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the most relentless edge rushers in the league. He plays with fire, stamina, and a motor that doesn’t quit.
That’s exactly the kind of presence Baltimore’s defense is missing. The Ravens rank near the bottom of the league in sacks-tied for 27th with just 26 on the year.
Rookie Mike Green has shown promise, and Dre’Mont Jones has been solid, but this defense lacks a true alpha on the edge. Crosby would change that overnight.
Of course, landing a player of Crosby’s caliber won’t come cheap. The Green Bay Packers set a recent precedent when they traded for Micah Parsons, giving up two first-round picks and veteran defensive lineman Kenny Clark. While Crosby might not command quite that steep a price, the Ravens would still need to offer a significant package-likely including their 2026 first-round pick (currently projected at No. 14) and multiple Day 2 selections.
From a financial standpoint, the deal is doable. Crosby is under contract through 2029, with a potential out in 2028.
His 2026 salary is $30 million, and while that’s a hefty number, the Ravens can make it work with some cap maneuvering. The Raiders, meanwhile, would take on $5.1 million in dead money but save over $30 million-making the trade palatable for a team in full rebuild mode.
Here’s how the numbers shake out:
Maxx Crosby’s Contract (if traded):
- 2026: $30M (fully guaranteed)
- 2027: $29M (becomes guaranteed on March 13)
- 2028: $27M
- 2029: $28M
Raiders’ Dead Cap Hit:
- 2026: $5.1M
- Cap Savings: $30.7M
Realistically, this is a two-year, $60M commitment from Baltimore’s side-manageable for a franchise-level defender.
The Ravens are still technically in the playoff hunt, but the odds are long. If they finish where they’re currently projected, with a mid-first-round pick, that could be the perfect chip to tempt a rebuilding Raiders squad. And for Baltimore, this is the kind of move that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory.
Yes, DeCosta and the front office have long valued building through the draft. But there are times when you need to swing for the fences-and this feels like one of them.
Maxx Crosby isn’t just a talented pass rusher. He’s a culture-changer, a tone-setter, and the kind of player who can elevate a defense from good to elite.
If the Ravens want to get back to being a legitimate Super Bowl contender, this is the kind of bold move that gets them there.