Austin Konenski
The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade involving EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby. The Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It is a shocking move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.
Below, we dive into the winners and losers from the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens!
Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Maxx Crosby
The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher registered 10 sacks and one interception during the 2025-26 NFL season, despite missing two games. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the heart of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.
Loser: Las Vegas Raiders’ Defense
The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby will be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be hard to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.
Winner: Ravens Head Coach Jesse Minter
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will call defensive plays for the team, and he has to be feeling great right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby will give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times moving forward. It allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, raising the potential of the Ravens’ defense.
Loser: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but came up short. Dallas made a big push for the former Raider, but the trade fell apart because it presumably wasn’t willing to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys didn’t feel comfortable going much further, defensive players like Crosby aren’t available often.
Winner: Raiders’ Front Office
Losing Crosby will hurt the Raiders’ defense and team as a whole; however, this is a massive return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas an opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 will also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their likely next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did well.
