NFL teams are becoming more willing to trade two first-round picks for elite defensive players

Associated Press (AP)EN 3 min read 100% complete by By ROB MAADDIMarch 7, 2026 at 01:53 PM

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NFL teams are increasingly willing to trade two first-round draft picks for elite defensive players. This trend is highlighted by the recent trade of five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens acquired Crosby to bolster their defense, which ranked low in sacks last season, hoping to improve their playoff chances. This trade follows two Super Bowls won by teams with dominant defenses, suggesting a renewed emphasis on defensive prowess in the league. Trading two first-rounders for a player has been rare with fewer than 20 such deals over the past 40 years. However, three of those have occurred in the past 6 1/2 months and each was for a superstar defensive player.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jesse Minter 30% New England 30% Kansas City Chiefs 30% Houston Texans ×240% Drake Maye 40% Lamar Jackson 40% Patrick Mahomes 40% Philadelphia Eagles 40% Baltimore Ravens ×270% Las Vegas Raiders ×370% NFL ×380% Maxx Crosby ×590%

Keywords

elite defensive players 100% first-round picks 90% defense 80% nfl teams 80% trade 70% maxx crosby 70% edge rusher 60% super bowl 50% las vegas raiders 50% baltimore ravens 50%

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Associated Press (AP)

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elite defensive players first-round picks defense nfl teams trade maxx crosby edge rusher super bowl las vegas raiders baltimore ravens

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