Eagles miss out on Maxx Crosby: What’s Next for Philly in 2026 Offseason?
The Eagles wanted Maxx Crosby. The Ravens wanted him more.
On March 6–7, Baltimore agreed to acquire the five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for two first-round picks. The deal becomes official when the new league year opens on March 11. For Philadelphia, that news stings, but it’s not the end of the story.
Here’s a full breakdown of what happened, what the Eagles were willing to do, and where Howie Roseman’s front office goes from here.
The Trade that Changed the Offseason
The Ravens-Raiders agreement is one of the biggest defensive trades in recent memory. Baltimore surrendered premium draft capital — two first-rounders — to land one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. That price tag says everything about how valuable elite edge defenders have become.
Las Vegas, for its part, prioritized rebuilding over retaining a veteran star. The Raiders get two first-round picks to kick-start their next chapter. He gets a shot at a Super Bowl contender.
The league-wide ripple effects are significant. Baltimore’s defense, already formidable, just added a legitimate difference-maker off the edge. AFC teams will feel that immediately.
Where The Eagles Stood
Philadelphia wasn’t a bystander. Multiple reports linked the Eagles to Crosby as a serious trade candidate, with suggestions that Roseman’s front office was exploring aggressive packages, potentially including draft capital and players.
In the end, two first-rounders were the price Las Vegas accepted, and Philadelphia didn’t match it. Whether that’s a missed opportunity or a disciplined decision depends on how the front office, specifically Roseman spend the next few weeks.
Philadelphia fans had reason to believe this was possible. Philly just won Super Bowl LIX over a year ago and has the infrastructure to compete for another championship. Adding Crosby would have been a statement move. Instead, the front office now has to find a different path forward.
What the Eagles Must Do Next
Missing out on Crosby doesn’t leave Philadelphia in bad shape; it just creates a sharper to-do list.
Re-sign Jaelan Phillips
This is the most pressing priority. Phillips, a young and ascending edge rusher, becomes even more important now that Crosby is off the board. Locking him up long-term gives the Eagles continuity and keeps a homegrown pass-rush piece in place. Letting him walk after missing out on Crosby would be a double blow to the defensive line.
Target Cost-Effective Pass-Rush Depth
The free-agent market won’t offer another like the now former Raider, but it will offer serviceable options. The Eagles can look for edge rushers on shorter, incentive-laden deals, players who provide rotational value without draining cap space. Preserving flexibility is key, especially with other roster needs to address.
Stay Patient With The Draft
Because Philadelphia didn’t surrender two first-rounders, they head into the draft with their picks intact. That’s real leverage. Whether the Eagles use that capital on a pass rusher, trade back for more picks, or address other positions, the options remain open. The Ravens bet big on a known commodity; Philadelphia can take a calculated swing on the next one.
The Bigger Picture
Baltimore’s investment in Crosby reshapes the AFC’s defensive landscape. The Ravens now have one of the most complete rosters in football, and their conference rivals will need to respond.
For the Philly, this is an NFC story, and a franchise with its recent Super Bowl pedigree doesn’t panic over one missed trade. Philadelphia’s front office has consistently found ways to build a winning roster without overpaying, and this situation calls for that same discipline.
The Offseason Isn’t Over
Missing Crosby is a setback, not a catastrophe. Philadelphia still has cap space with plenty of options to create more cap space, draft picks, and a proven front office, which includes the best GM in the business, Roseman, who knows how to find value in overlooked places.
Re-sign Phillips. Target the right free agents. Stay smart with the draft. That’s the formula — and if Roseman executes it, Philadelphia will enter 2025 as dangerous as ever.
