NFL executive says the Baltimore Ravens should expect more Lamar Jackson contract drama

A new report of the opinions of executives around the NFL suggests that the Baltimore Ravens should prepare for more Lamar Jackson contract drama if he continues to perform at his current level over the next two seasons.

After being the last pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has been better than the Ravens imagined. After showing his potential in six starts during his rookie season, he would emerge as one of the best players at the game’s most important position in the years to come.

Since 2019, Jackson has earned Pro Bowl honors four times, is a three-time All-Pro, and is a two-time NFL MVP. The dual-threat QB is already the best signal caller in Ravens history, and that’s why he got a massive five-year, $260 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. Still, to get that deal done, it was a complete struggle.

Jackson represented himself in negotiations and demanded to receive a fully guaranteed deal and be unable to place his franchise tag on the Ravens in the future. When discussions reached an impasse, he demanded a trade in March 2023. However, after continued difficult negotiations, an agreement was eventually reached.

NFL executive expects another dramatic Ravens and Lamar Jackson contract battle in 2028

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This period when the Ravens are happy is in the rear view. However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some around the NFL believe the team and superstar QB can do it all again in 2028.

An NFC executive told Fowler, “Last time it looked like negotiations were going nowhere and then suddenly a deal appeared.” “It has a chance to be really interesting again, especially if he has a big year and his leverage goes up.”

While he has eight seasons under his belt, Jackson will only be 31 in 2028. So he should still have two or three more prime years left in him. Elite QBs are the biggest assets in the NFL, and all teams will pay big bucks to get them. It wouldn’t be surprising if Jackson decided to bet on himself and hit the market in two years.

However, that’s a problem down the stretch, and the Ravens should be in title contention again this year thanks to the two-time MVP.

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The Baltimore Ravens were advised to trade for a running back.

Most people would agree that the Baltimore Ravens have one of the best players in the NFL in Lamar Jackson. In addition to being an excellent passer, Jackson is one of the most dangerous players in the league with his feet. Jackson’s lethal combination of skills made him the NFL’s MVP in 2019 and 2023.

Meanwhile, the Ravens have one of the NFL’s best running backs in Derrick Henry, who has topped 1,500 rushing yards in both of his seasons in Baltimore. Combined, Jackson and Henry are one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. Still, given how much both players get banged up on a weekly basis, should the Ravens strengthen their depth behind Henry?

NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
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there is siJason La Canfora believes it is time for the Ravens to bring in more help at the RB position behind Henry and ahead of Justice Hill. Taking things a little further, La Canfora believes the ideal trade target is Denver’s Jaleel McLaughlin, who is already familiar with Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

“Can I sell you on a late-round pick for Jaleel McLaughlin? He spent two years with Doyle in Denver, he’s a grinder who overcame a childhood of extreme poverty and homelessness, and he didn’t get any D-1 offers out of high school but is stuck in the NFL despite being an un-drafted signee in 2023.
He is adept as a slasher and pace-changer and has ample dual-threat ability. The Pass Pro isn’t great, but we’re talking about Henry insurance as a low level guy, not Hill insurance as a third level guy. It’s crazy how many players on this roster have any prior connection to Doyle. “This would be an upgrade for me as a No. 2 RB.”

La Canfora on Baltimore Ravens RB target

The 5-foot-7, 187-pound McLaughlin will be a far cry from the 6-foot-2, 252-pound Henry. At just 27 years old, McLaughlin’s best season came in 2024, when he recorded 496 yards and a touchdown in five starts in 16 appearances. Last year, his production dropped off, playing in only eight games and rushing for 187 yards and one touchdown.

With Dobbins, 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey, and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman all filling out Denver’s depth chart, the former undrafted McLaughlin, who is from the previous coaching regime, could very well be available. It remains to be seen whether he will be an efficient backup to Henry, but for the low cost of a late selection, it may be worth the gamble.

RELATED: Baltimore Ravens linked to potential trade for new starting center

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The Baltimore Ravens have been linked to a potential trade for a new starting center.

At the beginning of the offseason, there were expectations that the Baltimore Ravens would be able to retain Tyler Linderbaum, their starting center for the past four seasons. The Ravens chose not to pick up his fifth-year contract option worth $23.4 million in 2024, making the three-time Pro Bowler a free agent in March.

Once Linderbaum, widely considered one of the best centers in the NFL, hit the open market, the Las Vegas Raiders wasted no time in making him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Linderbaum agreed to a three-year, $81 million contract, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL, and yes, that’s more than the average the Ravens will be paying him for the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, the Ravens now need a new starting center. Many thought Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta would have found a replacement through free agency or the draft, but he did not do so. However, he recently acknowledged that the Ravens could end up trading for their new pivot. A local insider may have an idea of ​​who Baltimore is targeting.

RELATED: 2 Baltimore Ravens trade ideas for a new center

NFL: Super Bowl LX-Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots
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Recently, ESPN’s Ravens insider Jamison Hensley took a look at three important questions remaining for Baltimore. One of them focused on who would be the team’s new starting center after offensive coordinator Declan Doyle took over.

That’s when he suggested a possible trade candidate, Chicago’s Garrett Bradbury. Interestingly, Bradbury has already been traded once this offseason, sending him from New England to Chicago in exchange for a fifth-round pick. That trade occurred after Chicago’s starting center retired. But the Bears have selected a center in the second round, which could leave Bradbury in a reserve role.

“Now, with Jones being drafted in the second round by the Bears, it’s possible Chicago will be tempted to trade veteran center Garrett Bradbury. He’s a seven-year starter who was acquired from the New England Patriots in March for a 2027 fifth-round selection.”

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley on the Garrett Bradbury trade

Bradbury, 30, was the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before starting all 17 regular season games and four playoff games with the Patriots last season.

Although he never lived up to his full draft potential, Bradbury has started all 105 games in his seven-year career, and he would certainly be an upgrade for Baltimore.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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The owner of the Baltimore Ravens took control this weekend and drafted a player

The 2026 NFL Draft tipped off on Saturday, and by many accounts, the Baltimore Ravens once again had a great weekend. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has been the team’s final decision-maker in terms of signings, trades and team draft prospects since 2019. This was his eighth time presiding over the draft.

While DeCosta is usually in full control of the Ravens’ front office, there was a change at the top for a brief moment during the three-day draft event.

According to DeCosta, when the Ravens were selecting Clemson running back Adam Randall with the 174th overall pick in the fifth round, that selection was actually made by team owner Steve Bisciotti. This was the first time since becoming the team owner in 2001 that he selected a player.

“When we were in Florida, Steve was begging for a draft pick, and he’s the owner of the team,” DeCosta said via the team’s website. “I said, ‘Yes, Steve, of course you can have draft picks.’ So we decided on our final fifth-round pick. He did his research and studied tapes, talked to people. He has a really good relationship with the head coach of Clemson.

The Ravens selected a total of 11 players over draft weekend, so it’s only fitting that the man who owns the team gets some say in Baltimore’s future. Even though it was very unnatural.

Randall now joins a Baltimore depth chart that includes Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, 2024 fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali and UDFA signee Donte McMillan. He faces an uphill climb, but being the owner’s hand-picked choice won’t hurt his chances of cracking the team’s final 53-man roster at the cutdown date.

RELATED: 6 best 2026 NFL draft classes including the Bills and Browns

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Baltimore Ravens GM hates the void in college football for strange reason

It seems Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta hates name, image and likeness deals in college football. But the reason for this is a bit strange.

Zero money in college sports, especially football, has completely changed the industry. For decades, programs were built entirely around the ability to capture the hearts and minds of high school recruits in their living rooms and kitchens.

However, now a program can only turn things around drastically in one offseason if they have enough money to bring in the best players through the transfer portal or in the high school ranks. While this has brought an absurd level of volatility to college sports, it has also provided athletes with long-standing money-making opportunities. This means they are not in a rush to reach the pro ranks to earn big money

Well, it seems the Ravens general manager hates it because it means he can’t get his hands on prospects any time soon, and isn’t interested in “older” players.

Baltimore Ravens GM hates NFL Draft’s ‘old’ players

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“The players are getting older. Not necessarily the average age of the players, but there are older players in the draft,” DeCosta said this week. ‘We are seeing more 24 and 25 year old players. This is because of the void, people are being paid to live. This is problematic for us because if people are coming in at older ages, they will probably get less benefit. In some cases they are not three-contract players; They are players with two contracts. And in some cases, they have suffered more injuries. “They’ve been playing college football a longer time, so they’ve had more injuries.”

“… Before 2024, 4 percent of our players on the draft board could be 24 1/2 or older. Now that number is up to 18 percent. So we’ve seen a 14 percent increase in older players on the draft board,” he said. “…I don’t think it’s certainly a good thing. Historically, we’ve tried to develop young players whenever possible. It’s something we feel strongly about.”

So essentially, DeCosta will want to make college football players less money so he can use them as quickly as possible for the best interest of the Ravens. Even if it means cutting them out of a few seasons. Additionally, while his point about accumulating more injuries is valid, the extra years in college also means being better prepared to make an impact in the NFL rather than requiring more experience and further development.

It’s a little strange to dislike more experienced talents who were able to make good money before the NFL chewed most of them out.

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‘Strong prospect’ Baltimore Ravens target elite spot at No. 14

Barring another trade, the Baltimore Ravens will add a prospect with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23. Ravens draft projections and predictions have been all over the place so far, with some focusing on the offensive interior, and a large collection predicting a wide receiver.

There’s no way to know which prospects will be available when the Ravens are on the clock next Thursday, but there’s a good chance that one of several first-round receiver prospects will still be up for grabs. The Ravens may also have the opportunity to select top-ranked offensive guard, Vega Ioane, but is selecting a non-tackle in the top half of the first round the best value?

ESPN’s Ravens insider Jamison Henley believes the chances of Baltimore targeting a receiver are much higher. In fact, he suggests there is a “strong possibility” that the Ravens will select a pass-catcher with the 14th overall pick.

“Offense is a potential direction for the Ravens to improve quarterback Lamar Jackson’s supporting cast. The interior offensive line is the biggest need, but the Ravens have never selected a guard or center in the top half of the first round. There is a strong possibility of adding a wide receiver to pair with Flowers. In the past seven drafts, the Ravens have selected three wide receivers in the first round. The most interesting selection is tight end Kenyon Saadiq. (Oregon) because Baltimore’s top pass-catching option at tight end is Mark Andrews, who will turn 31 at the start of the upcoming season.

ESPN’s Jamison Henley on the Ravens’ first-round draft plans

Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is widely expected to be the Ravens’ early pick, but between USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordan Tyson, Indiana’s Omar Cooper and Oregon’s tight end Kenyon Saadiq, one of the four is sure to be available at 14.

The Ravens haven’t been afraid to target a receiver in the first round in recent years, targeting Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in 2021 and Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in 2023. Both are starting receivers in Baltimore, but there is still room for another pass-catcher to emerge, and it could be another first-round pick.

RELATED: Baltimore Ravens urged to trade first-round pick for superstar receiver

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Baltimore Ravens urged to trade first-round pick for superstar receiver

The Baltimore Ravens have the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, there’s always a possibility that they won’t use the selection. Trades are always possible, and the Ravens could move up or down the draft board.

Or, they could also trade out of the first round.

Recently, Bleacher Report’s Christopher Knox highlighted some potential trade outcomes that could emerge during the draft. In doing so, he suggested that the Ravens could trade the 14th overall pick to the Cowboys in exchange for superstar wide receiver George Pickens, who was coming off a career-high 1,429 receiving yards. Pickens is also entering the final year of his contract, leading some to wonder if Dallas would be open to a blockbuster trade offer.

“Replacing Pickens with a receiver like Kevin Concepcion or Omar Cooper Jr. on a rookie contract would make a lot of financial sense,” Knox wrote. “Snagging Pickens would make sense for a team like the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore could use a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and Pickens would certainly fill that need. He might also get a chance to go up against the Pittsburgh Steelers team that snubbed him a year ago.”

While trading the 14th overall pick would be tough, coming away from the draft with a proven receiver like Pickens would be worth the price. The question is, would the Cowboys really be willing to give up one of their best players?

Some think so, but others believe the Cowboys will not mess up during contract negotiations this time.

RELATED: ‘Very likely’ to draft Baltimore Ravens’ top-ranked player

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The Baltimore Ravens are ‘very likely’ to draft the top-ranked player

When you have the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s hard to predict which prospect the Baltimore Ravens might select. Of course, they have some glaring needs to fill, especially after All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency.

While there is no center prospect who is projected to be a first-round pick, there is another interior lineman who could help stabilize Baltimore’s trenches. If the board doesn’t go their way, the Ravens may be able to hire a top player as his replacement.

Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports reported that Penn State offensive guard Oliveira Ioane is “very likely” to land with the Ravens with the 14th pick.

Pauline wrote, “The news inside the league is that people expect Penn State’s Olivavega Ioane to be selected in the top-15, and it’s very possible he lands with the Baltimore Ravens, who own the 14th selection.” “Not every team has Ione at the top of their guard board, yet the majority do, including teams considering the position in Round 1.”

Ioane is widely regarded as the best guard prospect in the draft class, and it’s not even close. While there are a few guards who could land in the second round, Ioane is the only one expected to hear his name called on opening day, and he would be a great fit in Baltimore, which could use some reinforcements on their line.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

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Promising update on Baltimore Ravens star’s career-threatening injury

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a neck injury early last season, leading many to wonder if it would threaten his career. Luckily for Baltimore, it appears all hope for a comeback is not lost.

According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, there is now “increasing optimism” within the Ravens organization that Madubuike may be able to return to football.

Head coach Jesse Minter and general manager Eric DeCosta have both been asked about Madubuike this offseason. Each time, top Baltimore officials refused to provide an update.

Madubuike, 28, has started the 2025 NFL season in great form. He earned a 73.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, recording 4 pressures, 3 quarterback hits, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks through two games. He was removed from the second week’s game with a neck injury and was placed on injured reserve a few weeks later, with the team never giving any indication that he would return.

Without the 6-foot-3 defensive tackle, Baltimore’s pass rush suffered. The Ravens finished the regular season with the fifth-lowest pressure rate (19 percent) in the NFL and the fifth-lowest ESPN pass-rush win rate (30 percent).

A possible indication regarding Madubuike’s long-term health could come as early as the 2026 NFL Draft. With the 14th overall pick, Baltimore can take one of the top interior defensive linemen available. If the situation isn’t addressed in the first three rounds, it’s a pretty good sign that Madubuike may have a real chance to play for Baltimore again.

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Baltimore Orioles extend rising starting pitcher to $68 million contract

The Baltimore Orioles have moved on from one of their young starting pitchers after Opening Day. The Orioles and starting pitcher Shane Baz are finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports. The Falcons were acquired by Baltimore in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays during the MLB offseason.

The 26-year-old starting pitcher is getting a contract extension before taking the field for the Orioles in a regular season game. In 2025, Baz posted a 4.87 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 31 games for the Rays. The extension comes with risk, as Baz has a history of serious right elbow injuries in Tampa.

Baz underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery to remove the loose body in March 2022. The former Tampa Bay pitcher later entered the injured list with an elbow sprain in July 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. Baz missed the entire 2023 MLB season, but returned to action in 2024, splitting time between the minors and MLB.

The 2025 MLB season was his first season at full health; However, the Rays’ temporary home at Steinbrenner Field affected their pitching. The Falcons had a 5.90 ERA at home compared to a 3.86 ERA on the road. This is an unbalanced value which is not indicative of their actual performance in 2025.

Baltimore was encouraged to offer an extension after trading four prospects and the No. 33 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft to the Falcons during the winter. The new contract will cover three arbitration seasons and buy out two free agent years. The Orioles are confident in his ability to be a frontline starter for the next five years.

Baltimore will now have the Falcons and their electric pitching arsenal at Camden Yards during the 2030 MLB season.

READ MORE: MLB Insider reveals the Baltimore Orioles will extend Gunnar Henderson

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The Baltimore Ravens’ 3x All-Pro called out the team on social media

The Baltimore Ravens have been heavily involved throughout the offseason, including arguably the biggest controversy in the NFL following a trade for Max Crosby. Although they did not get Crosby, the Ravens did turn their attention to what some might call the best pass-rusher available in free agency by signing Trey Hendrickson.

They have also seen some of their players leave in free agency, whether it be by signing a deal with a different team or simply having their contracts expire. One player who has not yet signed a new deal is DeAndre Hopkins.

Still, the three-time All-Pro has been busy criticizing his former team on social media.

On Monday, Hopkins tweeted the following message:

“How many times do you think I was used in the red zone after this? I’m still one of the most productive guys when targeted but I have never complained with my snaps and never will. Fact!”

Hopkins was responding to a tweet that urged the Ravens to bring the 33-year-old wideout back to Baltimore. Still, it doesn’t seem like Hopkins has any strong interest in re-signing in Baltimore after starting only three of his 17 appearances.

In that time, Hopkins has been targeted only 39 times. But he caught 22 of those passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. However, the five-time Pro Bowler’s numbers have been declining over the past few seasons. In 2024, Hopkins combined for only 610 yards and five touchdowns while splitting time between the Titans and Chiefs.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

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Winners, losers of Max Crosby trade between Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers
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The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
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The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

NFL: Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter introductory press conference
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Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys
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The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

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Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

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Winners, losers of Max Crosby trade between Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens!

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers
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The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
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The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

NFL: Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter introductory press conference
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Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys
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The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Miami vs. Indiana
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Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

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Baltimore Ravens emerge as ‘potential’ trade suitor for 3x Pro Bowl WR

The Baltimore Ravens have attempted to bring in some fairly high-profile receivers to catch passes from two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Still, a strong case can be made that Odell Beckham Jr. and De’Andre Hopkins were past their prime by the time they arrived in Baltimore.

Now, the Ravens may be closing in on a trade for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver who has been a major part of their team’s overall success, including a Super Bowl win in 2024.

According to Jeff McClain philadelphia enquirerThe Ravens have emerged as a “potential” trade suitor for AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. But the Ravens are not alone. McClain suggests the New England Patriots, who are led by Mike Vrabel, the Browns’ former head coach at Tennessee, are another “potential” suitor.

“The Bills trading for WR DJ Moore would theoretically take them out of the AJ Brown market. As I understand, they checked with the Eagles about their wide receiver. The Patriots and Ravens are the most likely potential partners, especially since as I understand it, the Eagles are only willing to deal with AFC teams.”

Jeff McClain on the AJ Brown trade market

Brown has recorded 1,000-yard seasons in six of seven seasons since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft as the 51st overall pick. After three seasons he was traded from Tennessee to Philadelphia when the Titans would not commit to the type of long-term contract Brown wanted.

When Brown was 24, he was traded for first- and third-round selections. Now 28 years old, still established, we’ll see what the business costs this time. Even if he has been dealt with, teams are certainly trying.

RELATED: Baltimore Ravens’ Pro Bowler may be ‘gone for good’

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Anonymous Baltimore staff calls BS on John Harbaugh claim

The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to fire John Harbaugh shook the NFL world by storm. While the decision wasn’t completely a surprise, it was still surreal to see the long-time Baltimore coach get the axe. Immediately, there were rumors as to why the Ravens canned Harbaugh.

One of the prevailing rumors immediately after Harbaugh was fired was that the former head coach “lost the locker room”. In other words, the Ravens’ players lost trust in Harbaugh. Insider Adam Schefter dismissed these reports a few days ago. The latest report from Jamison Henley and Jeremy Fowler corroborated this claim, with one team source citing the Ravens’ performance in Week 17.

“There is plenty of speculation about what led to the firing of Harbaugh, but team sources pushed back on the narrative that losing the (Ravens’) locker room was one of the reasons for the move,” Henley and Fowler wrote for ESPN. “Multiple team sources noted how Harbaugh had the team ready to play in Week 17 in Green Bay, pouring 41 points on the Packers.”

One of the sources went so far as to say, “Saying John lost the locker room is bulls—.”

The Week 17 game against the Packers was a critical moment for the Ravens. Their playoff lives hinged on them winning that game. Against one of the better teams in the league, Harbaugh’s team put in arguably their best performance, dominating their NFC North opponents. That, coupled with a Pittsburgh Steelers loss that week, set up a win-or-go-home game between the two in Week 18.

Sadly, the Ravens ended up losing to the Steelers in the most heartbreaking fashion. After a missed extra point by Chris Boswell, Baltimore drove down the field with less than a minute remaining to get into field-goal range. However, kicker Tyler Loop’s 44-yard attempt went wide right, leading to the loss.

The Ravens are now searching for their new head coach. They have already started the interview process, with former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski as the latest name they’ve interviewed.


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