Well, the Maxx Crosby trade saga didn’t take much time. The Baltimore Ravens have won the sweepstakes just before the opening of NFL free agency, swinging a massive trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Earlier this week, the Ravens were priced at +2000 to get Crosby. The Chicago Bears were overwhelming favorites as rumors swirled about a DJ Moore-Crosby swap. But with Moore going to Buffalo, the winds changed, and Crosby blows all the way to Baltimore.
It sure came at a high price. Baltimore forked over its next two first-round picks, which beat the expected price of one first and additional minor assets. Crosby appeared to create a bit of a bidding war, as the Dallas Cowboys significantly upped their offer.
Crosby, 28, has been one of the best defensive ends in the league since being drafted in 2019. He has 69.5 sacks over seven seasons, along with excellent run defense. He’s under contract for four more years at $112.9 million. In the prime of his career, he brings the fiercest pass rush Baltimore hasn’t had in some time.
For the Raiders, this gives them multiple first-round picks in the next two years as they kick-start a rebuild. Presumably, Fernando Mendoza will be joining them with the first overall pick, and this gives them additional resources to get him protection or pass catchers. It’s a great deal for both sides. Lamar Jackson sure was excited about it today.
