Published on: March 7, 2026, 07:59h.
Updated on: March 7, 2026, 08:01h.
- Maxx Crosby traded to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks
- Las Vegas Raiders set to hold the No. 1 and 14 picks in the upcoming NFL draft with the highest salary cap space
- Ravens’ Super Bowl odds shift following the trade announcement
The Associated Press reported late last night that the Las Vegas Raiders have traded five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. This strategic decision aims to significantly enhance a Ravens’ defense that recorded only 30 sacks last season, ranking 28th in the NFL.
Five-Time Pro Bowler
Crosby registered 10 sacks and 45 solo tackles over 15 games last season. Throughout his seven-year career, he consistently achieved double-digit sacks in four of those seasons.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the report. The Ravens, led by All-Pro quarterback Lamar Jackson, are in a win-now mindset. Reports indicate that the Raiders will acquire two first-round picks from the Ravens, including the 14th overall selection in the NFL Draft on April 23. The Raiders are expected to utilize the first overall pick to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Raiders Accumulate Draft Picks and Cap Space
Negotiations regarding Crosby’s trade were a hot topic at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, where Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed confidence that Crosby would remain with the team. However, he also mentioned he was open to trade offers.
There had been whispers late last season regarding Crosby’s dissatisfaction after being placed on injured reserve in December due to a knee injury. At 28, Crosby reportedly did not want to participate in a rebuild, which the struggling 3-14 Raiders, led by new head coach Klint Kubiak, are currently embarking on.
Comprehensive Rebuild for the Raiders
At 28, Crosby is considered somewhat advanced in age for a defensive end in the NFL. He mentioned during an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” that he has undergone eight surgeries in the past seven years.
“I’ve learned to adapt,” he shared with Cowherd. “It’s all about perspective and how you approach your goals. I’m prepared for this long journey.”
The formal announcement of the trade will occur when the NFL’s new year begins on March 11 at 4 p.m. EST.
The Raiders have also confirmed they are parting ways with quarterback Geno Smith, who had signed a two-year, $75 million contract prior to last season.
Adjusted Betting Lines
The Raiders are poised to enjoy significant salary cap flexibility, estimated at $130 million according to overthecap.com, the highest in the league, once the Crosby trade is finalized. The Ravens will assume a $35.5 million annual contract for Crosby.
Consequently, minority owners of the Las Vegas Raiders, including Tom Brady, Spytek, and Kubiak, are under pressure to execute a successful rebuild with the draft picks and salary cap space available to them.
Betting lines have slightly shifted with the Crosby trade news; at theScore, the Ravens’ Super Bowl odds have moved from +1200 to +1000. The LA Rams are currently at +750, with the defending champions, the Seattle Seahawks, at +800, followed by the Ravens, the Buffalo Bills at +1100, and both the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles at +1400.