The Maxx Crosby saga has finally reached a conclusion.
Following several weeks of tension between Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders, the All-Pro defensive end is headed to the Baltimore Ravens. This development was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In exchange, the Raiders, who already hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, will receive the Ravens’ first-round picks in both 2026 (14th overall) and 2027. The trade is set to be finalized next week.
Despite a lackluster 8-9 record last season, the Ravens still have two-time MVP Lamar Jackson leading their offense. Jackson fueled fan speculation earlier on Friday with a cryptic tweet featuring a gif of Denzel Washington saying “boom,” which now seems to hint at Crosby’s arrival.
Crosby is a significant addition for Baltimore, addressing a major need. The Ravens managed a mere 30 sacks last season, ranking them fourth-lowest in the NFL. Crosby, on the other hand, recorded 10 sacks during the 2025 season alone.
The 28-year-old defensive end has had a tumultuous time in Las Vegas. Just last year, he inked a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Raiders, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league at that time.
Maxx Crosby previously demanded a trade out of Las Vegas, and now he’s gotten his wish
The Raiders are getting two first-round picks for Crosby, 28, from the Baltimore Ravens
As well as his 10 sacks, he made 73 tackles and two forced fumbles despite being placed on injured reserve in December with a supposed injury.
Then-Raiders coach Pete Carroll claimed at the time that Crosby had a knee injury, which might require surgery. But reports contracted Carroll’s claim, and Crosby added fuel to the fire by posting footage of himself playing basketball on his home court when he was supposedly injured.
It is not entirely clear when the footage and photographs were taken but they were uploaded to Instagram a few hours after the Raiders confirmed he would miss the rest of the 2025 season.
Many concluded from the footage Crosby felt he was healthy enough to continue playing, while the Raiders were more concerned with protecting their star defensive end while preserving their place atop the NFL Draft.
Later it was confirmed that Crosby, angered by the team’s decision to place him on IR, had left the team facility.
The Raiders would win their season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, but came away with the league’s worst record and the top pick in next month’s draft anyway.
In February, Crosby admitted his impatience at another losing season in Vegas and didn’t deny reports he had told minority owner Tom Brady he was ‘done’ with the team.
But now, he joins a team with genuine Super Bowl aspirations.Entering 2026, the Ravens face questions about star running back Derrick Henry’s ability to contribute at 32, as well as how the team will respond to newly hired head coach Jesse Minter.
Crosby reportedly told Raiders minority owner Tom Brady he was ‘done’ after the 2025 season
Now, he heads to Baltimore and partners the likes of Lamar Jackson and go for the Super Bowl
But with Crosby joining, it is a huge cause frr optimsim as the team enters a new era following the departure of Minter’s predecessor, John Harbaugh, after 18 seasons.
As for the Raiders, the rebuild job for new head coach Klink Kubiak is clear.
Many expect them to choose Fernando Mendoza as their first pick, although there is a growing expectation that if they do, they will still sign a veteran quarterback to start the season with.
Last year’s starter, Geno Smith, was released Friday.
