The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to trade defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round draft picks (the No. 14 pick of the 2026 draft, and the Ravens’ 2027 first-rounder).
Why they made the move
Crosby’s displeasure with the organization had become too much of a distraction for a franchise that needs a complete roster overhaul, so the Raiders made the move while they could still get an eye-popping return. Even if the Raiders managed to fast-track their rebuild, Crosby, who turns 29 in August, would be past his prime by the time they’re ready to contend for anything.
Crosby is still one of the best players in the league, regardless of position. He has 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles for loss, 11 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, an interception and 29 batted passes since entering the league in 2019 as a fourth-round pick.
The Ravens needed a defensive boost, and new head coach Jesse Minter now has a premier edge presence to build around.
Ravens grade: B+
While it’s been known the Raiders wanted two first-round picks for Crosby, there was skepticism they’d get it. This is quite the gamble with a rookie head coach who’s taking over for an organizational legend, and it’s an uncharacteristically steep price paid by a process-driven front office.
Applaud the Ravens for taking a swing. They’re clearly unafraid of change this offseason after splitting with coach John Harbaugh, and the Crosby acquisition is yet another sign the Ravens won’t stand pat after missing the playoffs.
If the Ravens get back into contention for the next few seasons and Crosby is a major reason for it, no one will scoff at the price. But for a team with a veteran roster, they need to move back into Super Bowl contention to justify this deal.
Raiders grade: A
Barring something wildly unforeseen, the Raiders will draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, and they’ll quickly get back to work with the 14th pick from this trade. That’s a heck of a way for general manager John Spytek to accelerate the rebuild, and the Raiders could be tempted to pair Mendoza with one of the draft’s best receivers.
The Raiders needed to move Crosby. They need to usher in the Mendoza era with optimism and no distractions. If Crosby was still on the roster this summer, his trade candidacy would have been far too prominent of a storyline (and more losses would have furthered the chatter).
The Raiders got an offer they couldn’t refuse. For the rebuild to work, those first-round picks have to pan out.