With free agency approaching, the Baltimore Ravens were set to compete for a championship with almost no notable pass rushers on their roster. With players like Dre'Mont Jones and Kyle Van Noy heading out the door, the team was set to rely on second-year pro Mike Green to carry their attack.
That is, until they flipped the entire AFC on its head by swinging a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby. This is the all-in move that Ravens fans have been begging for, and it gives them a clear path to the Super Bowl appearance they have been craving.
Notably, it takes the pressure to perform off of Green and gives him a mentor for the next stage of his career.
Maxx Crosby trade gives Mike Green the Ravens mentor he didn't know he needed
A year ago, most NFL teams weren't concerned about Green's play on the field. His ability to rush the passer was evident at Marshall. But he carried some character concerns that turned many teams away from him, causing him to fall to the second round of the draft.
Those character concerns haven't played a major role in his NFL career so far, but the 22-year-old could still use a veteran presence to guide him through his early years in Baltimore. Van Noy was presumably that player in 2025, but his departure left a hole in the Ravens' defense. It's safe to say that Crosby fills that hole.
Crosby is one of the most respected defenders in football. While he hasn't seen much team success in Las Vegas, he has consistently stayed competitive and been a leader for the Raiders. There's no doubt that he'll take on a similar role the moment he steps into the facility in Baltimore. That kind of presence could be immeasurably beneficial for a young player like Green.
But Crosby's impact on Green will be most apparent on the field. Before this trade, the young defender could have expected to see double-team blocks on clear pass downs. Now, with offenses focused on containing Crosby, Green will be able to work in one-on-one situations, showcasing his explosiveness and technical ability. He totaled just 3.5 sacks in his rookie year. Don't be surprised if he doubles that number next season.
This could be the exact addition Green needed to take the next step forward in his career. These two edge rushers might just create a new level of dominance for the Ravens defense in 2026.