The Baltimore Ravens surprised the NFL by sending two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire star defensive end Maxx Crosby. It is the first time in franchise history that the Ravens have traded away a first-round pick for an established player, and the move is generating plenty of buzz.
Baltimore’s defense struggled for long stretches last season, particularly when it came to rushing the passer. The team recorded just 30 sacks, its lowest total in 15 years. Crosby’s arrival immediately addresses that need and significantly elevates the unit.
Widely regarded as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league, Crosby brings 69.5 career sacks and five Pro Bowl selections in seven seasons to Baltimore. His addition has quickly made the Ravens one of the top three favorites to win the Super Bowl, and while some believe that raises the pressure on Lamar Jackson, the star QB does not seem concerned.
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While discussing what Crosby’s addition means for Baltimore, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky argued that Jackson no longer has any excuses not to win the Super Bowl.
"I love Lamar. There ain't no more excuses now. This is all in," he said on ESPN's Get Up.
Orlovsky doubled down on his stance on X, writing, "Gotta get it done. It’s been that way, it’s even greater now."
This time, though, Jackson took issue and responded directly to the former NFL QB. "Dan there has never been excuses for Lamar though🚬" he wrote.
Although Orlovsky ultimately gave Jackson his props for the response, it is clear that the two-time MVP feels he has nothing to prove to anyone. He may have had one of the toughest seasons of his career in 2025, when injuries affected his performance, but the 29-year-old has been one of the league’s best quarterbacks since entering the NFL.
Jackson’s postseason record of 3–5 may not be impressive, but Baltimore has often been plagued by bad luck in January, whether through dropped passes or close losses. Crosby’s arrival certainly makes the team more dangerous, and Jackson and the Ravens will hope he also brings some good fortune with him.
