NFL Live Updates: Ravens Land Maxx Crosby, Raiders Release Geno Smith; Texans Cut Joe Mixon
NFL fans, buckle up the offseason just lit up like a Monday night thriller. On March 7, 2026, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to land pass‑rush terror Maxx Crosby from the Raiders in exchange for two first‑round picks, a move that instantly shifts the balance in the AFC and has pundits buzzing.
Crosby, a five‑time Pro Bowler and relentless force off the edge, now heads to Baltimore just days before the new league year kicks off. Meanwhile, the Raiders are preparing to release quarterback Geno Smith after a rough 2025 campaign, and the Texans have cut veteran running back Joe Mixon in a surprise roster shake‑up.
This trifecta of moves is blowing up the headlines and setting the stage for what could be the wildest NFL offseason yet.
How Did the Maxx Crosby Trade Go Down?
Blockbuster Terms and Context
The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to trade Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens on March 6–7, 2026, just ahead of the new league year kicking off. The Ravens are sending their 2026 first‑round pick (No. 14 overall) and a 2027 first‑round pick to Las Vegas in exchange for the five‑time Pro Bowl edge rusher. The deal cannot be fully processed until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11, 2026.
Trade Breakdown:
- The Raiders receive two first‑round picks.
- Ravens get a dominant pass rusher.
- The move marks a franchise shift for both teams.
This deal signals a win‑now approach for Baltimore’s defense and a full rebuild for Las Vegas.
Who Is Maxx Crosby and Why Does This Matter?
Elite Career Stats and Impact
Maxx Crosby, 28, spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Raiders after being drafted in 2019. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times and recorded 69.5 career sacks, making him one of the most feared pass rushers in the league.
Key Career Highlights:
- Multiple double‑digit sack seasons.
- Known for relentless pressure and high motor.
- Leadership role in the Raiders’ front seven.
Baltimore struggled in the pass rush in 2025, finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks. Adding Crosby immediately upgrades their defense and brings a feared disruptor to the AFC North.
Why Are the Raiders Moving On?
Rebuilding Mode in Vegas
Las Vegas appears ready to reset its roster. Trading away Crosby gives the Raiders valuable draft capital, including the No. 1 pick and the No. 14 pick in 2026. GM John Spytek and new head coach Klint Kubiak are prioritizing youth and long‑term roster building.
Fan and Expert Views:
- Some fans see two first‑round picks as a big haul.
- Others question the value of giving up elite pass-rush talent.
- The move accelerates a clear rebuild trajectory for Vegas.
Whether this pays off depends on how the Raiders use those picks in the draft and free agency.
What Else Is Happening in the AFC?
Raiders Release Geno Smith
Las Vegas plans to release veteran QB Geno Smith, opening the door for a fresh start at quarterback heading into the draft. Smith struggled in 2025, throwing more interceptions than the rest of the league. The move clears roughly $8 million in cap space but leaves a significant dead cap hit.
Texans Cut Joe Mixon
The Houston Texans released two‑time Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, saving about $8 million in cap space as they restructure their offense. Mixon missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury and now enters free agency with questions about his future.
A New Wave in the AFC
This series of moves is reshaping the AFC landscape. Baltimore’s defense gets a major boost with Maxx Crosby, while the Raiders and Texans pivot toward rebuilding and roster flexibility. These shifts set the stage for a dramatic 2026 NFL season, where team strategies and draft choices could define playoff paths and contenders. Stay tuned as this offseason continues to evolve.
Disclaimer: The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
