The Las Vegas Raiders have made a major roster move as they begin a new era under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, agreeing to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. According to reports, the Ravens will send their No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a 2027 first-round selection, to Las Vegas in exchange for the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. Although the agreement has been reached, the trade will not become official until the new NFL league year begins on Wednesday.
Crosby has been one of the Raiders’ most reliable and dominant players since entering the league in 2019. Selected in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan, he quickly developed into one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. Over 110 career games with Las Vegas, Crosby recorded 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles for loss, 164 quarterback hits, and one interception. Despite multiple coaching changes during his tenure, he remained a consistent defensive cornerstone for the franchise and a leader for the Silver and Black.
Ravens Win Crosby Sweepstakes Despite Raiders’ Earlier Commitment To Retain Him
Interest in Crosby around the league had been building for some time, with several teams reportedly exploring trade possibilities. The Baltimore Ravens ultimately secured the deal, outbidding other suitors. The Dallas Cowboys were among the teams that expressed interest, but they were reportedly unwilling to part with two first-round picks to acquire the veteran defender.
Raiders Trade Maxx Crosby to Ravens, Signaling New Era and Rebuild AheadThe move comes despite earlier statements from Raiders general manager John Spytek, who had suggested during the NFL Scouting Combine that the team expected Crosby to remain on the roster. Spytek emphasized the importance of retaining elite players while building a competitive team. However, the significant draft capital offered by Baltimore appears to have convinced the Raiders to change direction.
Maxx Crosby Bolsters Ravens’ Pass Rush While Raiders Begin Rebuilding Phase
For the Ravens, the acquisition addresses a key weakness on defense. Baltimore struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks during the 2025 season, finishing with only 30 total sacks and ranking 24th in total yards allowed. Crosby’s arrival provides an immediate upgrade to the pass rush. Last season, he recorded 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in just 15 games while frequently facing double-team blocking schemes.
Crosby’s 2025 campaign ended prematurely due to a knee injury that required surgery after he missed the final two games of the regular season. Despite the injury setback, he remained frustrated about not being able to finish the year, even though the Raiders were already eliminated from playoff contention.
The trade signals a clear rebuilding phase for Las Vegas. With the team already holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Raiders now possess four first-round selections across the next two years. The franchise is widely expected to use the top pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as it begins reshaping its roster for the future.
