COLUMBUS — The Las Vegas Raiders are sending star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The trade was agreed to Friday but cannot be made official until the new NFL league year opens next week.
Crosby, 28, is a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the best defensive ends in the NFL. He spent all seven of his NFL seasons in Las Vegas after the Raiders drafted him in the fourth round in 2019.
The Ravens Are Getting
Crosby had 10 sacks last season and 69.5 career sacks since entering the league — more than double what any other Raider recorded during the same stretch. He has made the Pro Bowl five times and earned All-Pro honors.
The Ravens finished near the bottom of the NFL in sacks in 2025. Crosby addresses that problem immediately and gives Baltimore one of the most feared pass rushers in the league heading into next season.
The Ravens are sending their No. 14 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft plus a 2027 first-round pick to get the deal done. It marks the first time in franchise history the Ravens have used a first-round pick to acquire a veteran player, according to multiple reports.
The Raiders Are Getting
Las Vegas holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is widely expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Adding Baltimore’s No. 14 pick and a future first gives the Raiders valuable ammunition to rebuild a roster that went 2-15 last season.
CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson called it a planned move by a front office ready to start over.
“This is planned,” Wilson said. “The Raiders are making a youth movement. They’re moving on from the older players. Now they have the ability to stockpile draft picks, build around Fernando Mendoza, and turn this thing around.”
Columbus Fans Interest
The trade shakes up the AFC North, the division that includes the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams now face a Ravens defense that just got significantly better. Browns fans in Columbus will be keeping a close eye on how Baltimore uses Crosby against Cleveland twice next season.
The trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins next week.
This report is based on reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and CBS Sports. Published: March 7, 2026 | ColumbusFrontline.com