The Baltimore Ravens have come out of a disappointing 2025 campaign with relentless aggression this offseason. The firing of John Harbaugh and hiring of Jesse Minter made it clear that they weren’t messing around, and their blockbuster trade for edge rusher Maxx Crosby confirmed that it’s going to be a whole different ball game in 2026.
The Ravens desperately needed a player like Crosby, and although it cost a steep price of two first-round picks to take him off the Las Vegas Raiders’ hands, it will all be worth it if they can get back to the playoffs and finally reach their Super Bowl dreams. That’s exactly what Crosby is hoping to do for this city.
While Crosby is ready for the future, there are understandably some heavy emotions that come with being traded from the only organization you’ve known for the last seven years. In his goodbye message to Raider Nation, he made a comment that could have some Ravens fans raising an eyebrow.
“I bleed silver and black. That’ll never change, and I’m a Raider for life,” Crosby said. “I truly wanna finish, when it’s all said and done, in a Raiders jersey, whenever that time comes.”
Crosby said he’s excited to join the Ravens, but clearly, he’s hurting to leave Las Vegas. Just as he’s looking to win Ravens fans over with his play, it’s up to Flock Nation to help make Baltimore home for him.
Maxx Crosby’s Raiders comments could leave Baltimore Ravens fans a tad uneasy
Turning the page on a long, extremely successful chapter of your career can be tough. Las Vegas is home to Crosby, and will always be home. There can be nerves that come with starting fresh elsewhere, as you're walking into a door that's brand new.
Still, hearing that Crosby would like to finish his career in Las Vegas may make some fans uneasy. After trading two first-round picks, this was not just a win-now move, but a long-term move focused on three-plus years down the line. Of course, it’d make sense to want to go back home to the team that first took a chance on you, but Ravens fans obviously want Crosby to be a Raven for life, especially with the level he’s playing at.
Crosby’s been an elite pass rusher and an elite edge setter in the run game. He’s the kind of player that Baltimore hasn’t had since Terrell Suggs. He’s an Energizer Bunny, bringing a relentless motor to the table on every single snap. Selfishly, fans will want Crosby to ride it out in Charm City for as long as possible.
Ultimately, in his message, Crosby likely just means returning to the Raiders on a swan song to end his career. He’s 100 percent bought in to what the Ravens are looking to do, and is all-in on bringing a Super Bowl to Baltimore. Still, though, Flock Nation needs to make their newest star feel at home as he’ll play a pivotal role in 2026 and beyond. Hopefully, he makes a franchise-defining impact.