Ravens emerge as a team to watch as Maxx Crosby trade chatter intensifies

ravens are now firmly in the middle of the Maxx Crosby trade conversation as league-wide interest grows. As of 6: 00 p. m. ET on March 6, 2026, multiple teams are being discussed as potential destinations while the Las Vegas Raiders weigh a major reset. The urgency is being driven by the belief that Crosby’s time in Las Vegas is nearing its end, even as one prominent former Raider is publicly urging the franchise not to make the move.

Ravens in the mix as Crosby draws “serious interest”

Maxx Crosby is drawing serious interest around the league, with the Dallas Cowboys described as closely monitoring the situation and remaining very interested. The Baltimore ravens are also described as “a team to watch, ” with general managers believing the Raiders are willing to work on a deal.

The same trade chatter frames the Cowboys and the Ravens as two teams to watch in a potential deal for the star defensive end, citing reporting from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

Crosby, 28, is identified as a five-time Pro Bowler who appears set for a departure from Las Vegas. He is described as a dominant force in the defensive front, with 69. 5 sacks in seven seasons.

Inside the Raiders’ dilemma: reset talk, cap flexibility, and draft haul expectations

The scenario around Crosby is being tied directly to an expected Raiders rebuild. The discussion includes the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with an expectation they will select quarterback Fernando Mendoza and begin a full rebuild.

Three factors are cited as driving the potential Crosby exit: a rebuild timeline that may not align with Crosby’s prime as he turns 29 this August, the financial angle of freeing up over $30 million in cap space for 2026, and the potential trade haul. On the trade return, insiders believe the Raiders are guaranteed to command at least two first-round picks in a potential deal because Crosby remains one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.

Several contenders have already been linked to monitoring the situation closely: the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys.

Immediate reactions: Derek Carr calls a Crosby trade “a bad choice”

Derek Carr, former Raiders quarterback, delivered the sharpest public reaction, arguing the franchise would be making a major mistake by moving Crosby. Speaking on his podcast, Carr said: “The Raiders have one of, if not the best overall defensive lineman playing the run, playing the pass, disruptive, motor, everything, aura, leader, heart and soul of the team. ”

Carr emphasized the leadership and cultural impact he believes would be lost if Crosby leaves, adding: “As soon as Max leaves your building, if you trade him … there’s not only a hole in leadership. There’s not only a hole in your heart and your soul of your football team. There’s a hole in your effort. There’s a hole in your accountability. ”

Carr also pushed back on the idea that Crosby’s contract is an obstacle, saying: “He’s also on a really nice contract. So you just gave it to him … and you’re going to ship him out?” Carr concluded: “And so this is my long-winded version of why I think it’s a bad choice. I didn’t think I’d have to explain that. ”

Quick context on the strain behind the scenes

The relationship between Crosby and the Raiders’ front office has reportedly become strained, with tension dating back to late in the 2025 season when the team placed him on injured reserve with a knee issue. Crosby reportedly believed he was healthy enough to play and interpreted the move negatively.

What’s next for the Ravens and the Crosby sweepstakes

As of 6: 00 p. m. ET on March 6, 2026, the picture remains fluid: the Raiders are seen as willing to work on a deal, the Cowboys remain closely tied to the situation, and the ravens continue to be labeled a team to watch as the Crosby sweepstakes develops. The next concrete step to monitor is whether Las Vegas signals a firmer direction on its reset—and whether formal talks accelerate around the kind of return being floated for one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.