NFL Star Maxx Crosby Traded to Baltimore Ravens, Super Bowl Betting Odds Surge

It's official, NFL defensive end Maxx Crosby has been traded to the Baltimore Ravens. The move increased Baltimore's chances of winning the Super Bowl, and the Las Vegas Raiders get a haul of draft picks. Let's take a look at how the trade impacts both teams.

(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

According to Adam Schefter, the Raiders will receive 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, signaling a full rebuild. Coincidentally, Las Vegas plans to release Geno Smith, opening the door for the Raiders to draft a quarterback (possibly Fernando Mendoza?).

Selected by the Raiders No. 106 overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby has spent his entire career with the franchise. Although having made just one playoff appearance, Crosby collected quite the list of personal accolades.

A two-time second-team All-Pro, Crosby is a five-time Pro Bowler who established himself as an all-time Raiders great. He ranks third all-time in franchise career sacks (69.5), and finished his Raiders career with 439 total tackles, 69.5 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles in 110 regular-season games.

Considered one of the most reliable defenders in the NFL, Crosby last played a full season in 2023. Having played just 12 games in 2024, he underwent surgery to fix a right ankle injury. While he laced up for 15 games last season, the Raiders shut him down for the final few games of the regular season due to a knee injury.

Maxx Crosby Traded to Baltimore Ravens in Blockbuster NFL Deal

On social media, Crosby strongly disagreed with this decision and was seen even shooting a basketball and jumping in a social media video. This prompted trade rumors, which eventually ended up true.

It's clear the defensive star has zero regrets about his past and opened up about his future on The Rush with Maxx Crosby. While he felt he didn't "deliver," a championship to the silver and black, he's optimistic about his new team. He has high aspirations to remain one of the best in the world but to deliver a Super Bowl with whatever team he's on.

"It's time for this next chapter man, I'm so excited," said Crosby.  "Right now, it's Flock Nation, and I'm all in. I'm gonna give y'all everything I have in my heart and soul."

In his tenure with the Raiders, Crosby compiled a 42-68 win-loss record, and was a part of the organization's winning season in 2021. While his accomplishments didn't translate to winning, he remained one of the most elite players ever to don the Raiders uniform.

Are you in search of further NFL and sports betting promotions? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here. 

How Maxx Crosby Trade Impacts Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl  Betting Odds

• Las Vegas Raiders Super Bowl LXI Odds: +15000 (FanDuel)
• Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl LXI Odds: +1000 (FanDuel)

Las Vegas Raiders

It's safe to say the Raiders are set to continue their rebuild. They've had just one winning season since 2017, and haven't made the playoffs since 2021. By trading key pieces such as Crosby away, it opens the door for a new opportunity. That said, head coach Pete Carroll was fired, and quarterback Geno Smith is set to be released.

While it's not certain, it's certainly an opportunity for the franchise to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Holding the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders are first in line to rebuild the roster. Currently, Mendoza has +20000 (FanDuel) to be drafted first overall.

Las Vegas is slowly starting to gather the pieces and has drafted tight end Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty over the last two years.

The Raiders finished 3-14 last season in a competitive division that includes Bo Nix (Denver Broncos), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers). Under Carroll, the Raiders ranked No. 31 in offensive DVOA, near last. Considered one of the least efficient teams on the defensive end, the defense ranked No. 14 in defensive DVOA.

Maxx Crosby Trade Signals Full Rebuild for Raiders

It will be tough to replace a caliber of player such as Crosby, but the Raiders do get two first-rounders in return. While the 2026 NFL Draft is considerably weaker than in past years, the franchise is looking a few years out. Now without one of the league's best defensive stars, their Super Bowl odds plummet to +15000 on FanDuel.

The Raiders now hold the six-longest odds to win Super Bowl LXI, alongside the Titans (+17500), Saints (+17500), Cardinals (+25000), Jets (+25000), and Dolphins (+25000).

The trade itself doesn't impact the Raiders all that much, at least in betting terms for the upcoming season. While odds were already high beforehand, the Raiders were always considered a long shot to win next season. Since the trade, they hold the third-highest odds (+8000) to win the AFC Conference, and oddsmakers have them as long shots (+2200) to win the AFC West.

Las Vegas Raiders Are Long Shots to Win Super Bowl LXI (+15000 FanDuel)

• The Raiders have several voids to fill, including Crosby's. Short term, I don't expect this team to be competitive. Depending on how well they draft and attract free agents, perhaps they will emerge as a playoff team in the future. 

Best Brand

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Best Bonus

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Bet $5 Get $250 If Your Bet Wins!

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). "Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org. Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings Sportsbook customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 5/3/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 4/26/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

Baltimore Ravens

I couldn't picture a better landing spot for Crosby. The Ravens are craving a Super Bowl, which they last won with quarterback Joe Flacco in 2013. Baltimore's Super Bowl betting odds have surged since landing the defensive star.

The odds didn't shift much as the Ravens were a top favorite in FanDuel (+1200) to win next year's Super Bowl in February. Having finished 8-9 last season, the Ravens tried to make a playoff push despite quarterback Lamar Jackson's injuries. Narrowly missing the playoffs, this is a team that's made the postseason in six of the last eight seasons.

And despite inconsistency and injuries, this is a team that finished No. 11 in offensive DVOA and No. 10 in defensive rush DVOA. Ultimately that wasn't good enough as the franchise parted ways with long-tenured head coach John Harbaugh. Since then, the team hired Jesse Minter as its next head coach.

Now Crosby joins the Ravens as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and boy, does Joe Burrow of the Bengals have a problem on his hands! The AFC North has arguably the best pass rushers in the league with Crosby, Myles Garrett (Browns), and T.J. Watt (Steelers).

The question remains: Is Crosby at full health? Are the Ravens healthy enough as a whole? They paid a big price for Crosby, this could end up as a home run trade or a swing and a miss trade.

Ravens Super Bowl Odds Surge Post Maxx Crosby Trade (+1000 FanDuel)

The Ravens already have strong pieces on offense with Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and Mark Andrews. I do still think the Ravens need to add receiver depth, along with a healthy Jackson. On the defensive end, an edge rusher was the biggest need, but how about Kyle Van Noy and Dre'Mont Jones? Both are set to become free agents, along with tight end Isaiah Likely. If Nnamdi Madubuike is set to return, the defense will surely be top five.

The defense may have underperformed last season. However, this is a team that rosters Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and Marlon Humphrey. The Ravens get one of the most powerful players on defense, who's equally exceptional against the pass and rush. While the sacks speak for themselves, his ability to tackle is second to none.

Similar to last season, anyone can win the AFC North. However, the addition of Crosby sets the Ravens far apart from the Bengals (+270), Steelers (+750), and Browns (+1000) for now. The favorites to win the division (-155), this is a huge move for Baltimore, one that signals they are all-in. The Steelers do not have a definite quarterback, the Bengals face defensive questions, and the Browns are rebuilding.

Big Risk, High Reward for Ravens, Crosby

There's no question this was one of Baltimore's biggest trades in history aside from acquiring Roquan Smith from the Bears and Anquan Boldin. While the Rams (+700), Seahawks (+750), and Bills (+1100) are all early Super Bowl favorites, the Ravens are up there with the Packers (+1400), Eagles (+1500), and Chargers (+1600).

Crosby should immediately improve a pass rush that was near the bottom of the rankings last season. Though having dealt with injuries, their defensive unit delivered just 30 sacks last year.

Even injured, Crosby recorded 10 sacks in 10 games alone! This is also a team that averaged an 8.2 missed tackle percentage. To cap it off, they had just a 4.58% sack rate. Crosby can instantly make an impact on his own.

In March 2025, Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million deal with the Raiders. Will the Ravens extend him? Minter came from the Chargers, and will bring that defensive edge to Baltimore. A former defensive coordinator in LA, Minter and the Chargers ranked No. 10 in defensive DVOA, and remained a top 10 team against the pass.

Minter isn't easy to read.  He uses complex defensive schemes to complement zone coverage. In addition, he keeps offenses guessing. Crosby is a freakish athlete, who's versatile and boasted a 12.6% and 12.2% pressure rate in 2023 and 2022. Recording a 10.4% pressure rate in 2024, there's a decline, and sure, he's coming off knee surgery.

• It's a huge gamble for the Ravens, but could be one that pays off. With that, oddsmakers have the Ravens as one of the top teams to win Super Bowl LXI.