The Ravens are reportedly a trade partner for the Raiders’ superstar defender, strengthening their defense for a Super Bowl push

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for what could be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent years. With a Super Bowl window opening wider thanks to the continued brilliance of quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team has been looking to make moves that will complement their offense while strengthening key areas of their roster. One area that has remained a concern, despite their strong defensive pedigree, is their pass rush and overall defensive playmaking ability. It seems that the Ravens might be ready to address that concern by acquiring a superstar defender from the Las Vegas Raiders.

Reports have surfaced that the Ravens are exploring a trade for a key player on the Raiders’ defense, a move that could significantly bolster their defense and provide them with a potential game-changer on that side of the ball. While details are still emerging, the potential trade would represent a clear signal that the Ravens are serious about taking the next step in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.

In this article, we’ll break down what the potential trade could mean for the Ravens, who the superstar defender is, and how this move fits into the team’s overall championship aspirations for the 2025 season.

The Ravens’ Super Bowl Aspirations

The 2025 Baltimore Ravens are in a delicate yet exciting position. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, has solidified himself as the cornerstone of the franchise. But as good as Jackson is, the Ravens’ title hopes will ultimately be determined by the strength of the team surrounding him. Over the last few seasons, the Ravens have had a solid, well-coached defense, but they’ve lacked the game-changing players who can step up when it matters most in the postseason.

The Ravens have been competitive, but they have yet to break through in recent years and win the Super Bowl. In 2025, however, they’re looking to make a run at the title, and they know that Lamar Jackson needs more support on both sides of the ball. While Jackson’s dual-threat ability makes the Ravens offense one of the most dangerous in the NFL, their defense has been the key to their success over the years. However, the current defensive unit has some notable holes, particularly in the pass rush, where they’ve often struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Addressing the Defensive Need

The Ravens’ defense has typically been one of their strongest features. Over the years, they’ve had some dominant units, especially in the secondary with stars like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. But while their secondary is solid, they’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. With the AFC being loaded with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, the Ravens’ inability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm has been a limiting factor in their ability to advance deep into the postseason.

The Ravens’ front seven has been good, but it hasn’t been consistently great. This offseason, it seems that the front office is focused on improving this area by looking for an upgrade in pass rushers and overall defensive playmaking. If they can get a game-changing defender who can wreak havoc in the backfield, the entire defense would become more potent. They need a defender who can command double teams, create chaos in the pocket, and make those critical plays that can tilt games in the postseason.

The Raiders’ Superstar Defender: Who Is He?

So, who is this superstar defender that could make a massive difference for the Ravens? According to sources, the player in question is none other than Maxx Crosby, the standout edge rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Crosby has been a force for the Raiders since his arrival in the NFL, and he has continued to improve each year. Known for his relentless motor, strength, and speed, Crosby has become one of the league’s premier pass rushers. As of the 2024 season, Crosby had compiled double-digit sacks and consistently applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks, making him one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL. His ability to disrupt the pocket and get after the quarterback would immediately elevate the Ravens’ defense to an elite level.

Crosby, despite his tremendous individual success, has found himself on a Raiders team that has been in transition and struggling to find success in recent years. While he remains one of the few bright spots on their defense, the Raiders have been unable to build a team that can consistently compete at a high level. As a result, Crosby could be seen as a valuable trade asset for the Raiders, especially if they are looking to rebuild and acquire additional draft capital.

Why the Ravens Should Pursue Maxx Crosby

The Ravens’ interest in Maxx Crosby makes sense for several reasons. First and foremost, he fills a glaring need on their defense. The Ravens have struggled to consistently generate pressure on quarterbacks, and they’ve lacked an elite edge rusher who can take over games. Crosby’s arrival would address that issue immediately.

Crosby is not just a one-dimensional pass rusher either. He is a well-rounded player who can also play the run effectively, which is critical in the Ravens’ defense. His ability to pressure the quarterback on passing downs while also holding up against the run would give the Ravens the balance they need in their front seven. The addition of Crosby would immediately improve the Ravens’ ability to create havoc on defense, forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations, which would make the entire defensive unit more dangerous.

Moreover, Crosby is still relatively young and entering the prime years of his career. He would be an excellent long-term piece for the Ravens, who are looking to build a championship-caliber team for the next few seasons. Given his contract status and the fact that the Raiders may be looking to move him as part of their rebuild, this could be a perfect opportunity for the Ravens to make a big splash.

How Crosby Fits into the Ravens’ Defense

The Ravens’ defense is built on a foundation of strong front-seven play and a ball-hawking secondary. With the addition of Maxx Crosby, the front seven would become a true force to be reckoned with. Pairing Crosby with players like Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Justin Madubuike would give the Ravens a dynamic and well-rounded defense capable of pressuring quarterbacks, stopping the run, and making key plays in critical moments.

Crosby would be an ideal fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who has built a defense that thrives on versatility and attacking the quarterback. Crosby’s ability to line up on both sides of the defensive line and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback would allow Macdonald to move him around and create mismatches against offensive lines. This kind of flexibility would add a new dimension to the Ravens’ defense, making them even more unpredictable and difficult to game plan for.

Additionally, Crosby’s presence would benefit the secondary. With an elite pass rusher like Crosby, the Ravens’ cornerbacks and safeties would have more time to cover opposing receivers. When the quarterback is under pressure, they are forced to make quicker decisions, which can lead to mistakes, turnovers, and blown coverages. The addition of Crosby could, therefore, have a ripple effect on the entire defensive unit, improving the Ravens’ chances of getting key stops in high-pressure situations.

What the Ravens Would Give Up

Of course, to acquire Maxx Crosby, the Ravens would need to give up significant assets. The Raiders are likely to demand a hefty return for one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. Given Crosby’s age, production, and potential, the Raiders would likely want a combination of high draft picks and possibly a player or two to sweeten the deal.

The Ravens could offer a first-round pick in 2025 or 2026, along with potentially a second-rounder or a player who could help the Raiders in their rebuild. The Ravens have some depth at certain positions, so including a young player with potential might make the deal more palatable for Las Vegas. While the price for Crosby will undoubtedly be high, the Ravens should be willing to pay it, as he represents a chance to push their defense into elite territory and solidify their championship aspirations.