The Baltimore Ravens have long been missing an elite pass rusher. Sure, outside linebackers like Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Jadeveon Clowney, and Justin Houston did a fine job in recent years, but none of them were truly dominant. Now, they finally have that following the trade for Maxx Crosby.
The Ravens gave up a massive haul for Crosby, dealing first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to acquire the highly sought-after star, but it was a move they had to make. They desperately needed an effective pass rush threat to legitimately contend for a Super Bowl, and it was also an area in which they fell short in comparison to their AFC North counterparts.
The Cleveland Browns have Myles Garrett. The Pittsburgh Steelers have T.J. Watt. The Cincinnati Bengals had Trey Hendrickson. Each of those guys has consistently been good for around at least 14 sacks throughout their time in the AFC North. The Ravens weren’t as lucky to have an X-factor like those guys off the edge, but after ponying up the price for Crosby, they finally have their guy.
Maxx Crosby trade finally gives Baltimore Ravens an elite edge threat
Adding Crosby was the best-case scenario for Baltimore this offseason. Sure, Hendrickson could’ve been a strong option in free agency, but it likely would’ve been a competitive market for a player on the wrong side of 30. The 2026 NFL Draft was, and still is, an option, but the Ravens couldn’t afford to lean heavily on another rookie pass rusher. They needed a proven piece.
For fans, it’s been agonizing to see each of their AFC North rivals have lethal production coming off the edge. Garrett, Watt, and Hendrickson have each been a significant thorn in Baltimore’s side. While the Ravens have had some deep and steady-contributing pass rush rooms, they haven't recently had a weapon who can take over a game like those guys can. Crosby can undoubtedly be that.
Crosby has been a dominant pass rusher since the moment he set foot into the NFL. He posted 10 sacks in his rookie year and hasn’t looked back, currently holding 69.5 career sacks to his name. He’s simply been elite at getting the quarterback, and in the same way he overpowers opposing offenses in that area, he’s just as good as a run defender.
To go along with those 69.5 sacks, Crosby has 133 tackles for loss across his seven-year career. He had 28 of them last year, and in 2022 and 2023, he had 22 and 23, respectively. He plays like a Raven and feels like the perfect fit in Charm City.
When he suits up for his first game in Baltimore, that well-rounded game should remind many fans of Terrell Suggs. Suggs was not only one of the most fearsome pass rushers in the NFL during his time, but possibly the greatest edge rusher when it came to run defense. Hopefully, Crosby also brings that kind of tenacity.
Ultimately, it seems like the table is set for Crosby to put the Ravens’ defense back on the map. There’s a ton of talent on that unit, and the 28-year-old should help leverage them into a top-tier pass rush group in the AFC North.