Maxx Crosby trade: NFL analyst warns Ravens after trading two first-round picks for DE

The Baltimore Ravens made one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason by acquiring star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. However, not everyone is convinced the blockbuster deal will deliver the results Baltimore is hoping for.According to reports, the Ravens sent their 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks to Las Vegas in exchange for the five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro pass rusher. The aggressive move immediately grabbed headlines across the National Football League, with analysts and players reacting to the high price Baltimore paid.

Analyst questions Ravens’ decision

NFL analyst Sam Morrison was among those who expressed concern about the deal shortly after it was announced.

In a social media post, Morrison suggested the Ravens might not receive the peak version of Crosby, citing the defender’s recent injury history and age.

“I get why the Ravens were desperate for pass rush after last season, but I wouldn't give up two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby,” Morrison wrote. “He's dropped off after those injuries and is almost 29. You may never be getting peak Maxx Crosby.”Crosby underwent knee surgery earlier this year to repair a torn meniscus after playing through discomfort for much of the 2025 season.

Despite the injury, he still managed to produce solid numbers, finishing the year with 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss in 15 games.Team officials expect Crosby to recover fully and be ready by training camp. Reports indicate he is expected to pass his physical once evaluated by Baltimore’s medical staff.

Why the Ravens made the move

The Ravens' choice to trade for Crosby shows that enhancing their pass rush is a top goal. Baltimore had a hard time putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks during the 2025 season.

The team finished near the bottom of the league in sacks and pass-rush win rate, highlighting a major defensive weakness that needed addressing.Adding Crosby gives Baltimore a proven disruptor off the edge. Since entering the league in 2019, he has built a reputation as one of the most relentless pass rushers in football. He has recorded double-digit tackles for loss every season of his career and consistently ranks among league leaders in quarterback pressures.

Crosby himself reportedly welcomed the move and is said to be excited about joining a franchise that has been far more competitive than the Raiders in recent years.The deal also has big effects on the AFC North division. The Ravens already have a good defense, and adding Crosby makes it much stronger.The division now features several elite edge rushers, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers.For offenses like the Cincinnati Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the competition in the division just became even tougher.Ultimately, we won't know how the trade really affects things until the season starts. If Crosby gets back to his best, the Ravens' risky move could change their defense. If injuries keep him from playing well, though, the cost of two first-round picks may be looked at even more closely.