Latest blockbuster NFL trade highlights just how strong of a deal the Packers managed to pull off
Micah Parsons’ deal keeps looking better and better.
Surprisingly, the Baltimore Ravens were the team willing to give up two first-round picks to acquire edge defender Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. The trade is intriguing for the Green Bay Packers for several reasons, and it’s interesting to see how the market evolves.
Value for Micah Parsons was insanely good
Don’t get me wrong, Maxx Crosby is a great player, with strong production and a great motor. But Micah Parsons should be worth much more. The fact that the Raiders received two first-rounders just reinforces how great of a deal Brian Gutekunst pulled off in August — he also sent the two ones and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who would likely be a cap casualty for the Packers this offseason anyway.
Parsons was 26 at the time of the trade and in last season’s Week 1, and Crosby will be 29 by Week 1 this upcoming season. But it’s not only the age. In 2025, even losing the final games due to injury, Micah Parsons generated 79 pressures and 12.5 sacks in 436 pass rush snaps. Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby had 53 pressures and 10 sacks in 515 pass rush snaps. Parsons is much more impactful, which shows how unique of an opportunity the Packers had to acquire a player of that caliber for a reasonable cost.
It’s not the Bears
Even though the Packers had a great deal for Parsons, it doesn’t mean the Ravens won’t take advantage of a top edge defender. So it’s good for the Packers that Crosby stays in the AFC instead of going to a divisional rival, for example. When the Chicago Bears created a lot of cap space this week with Drew Dalman’s retirement and trading wide receiver DJ Moore away, it looked like Ryan Poles would make a strong push to acquire Crosby. Ultimately, though, that didn’t happen — and the Packers should be happy about it.
Conservative teams trading their picks for stars
It’s at least curious that the two most draft-and-develop and conservative with picks teams in the entire NFL have made blockbuster trades involving two first-round picks to acquire edge defenders. What the Packers and Ravens have done shows the value and impact of the edge rusher position, but it’s also an indication of a weaker 2026 draft class. If both of these teams with stable front offices were willing to pull the triggers on big deals, you can confidently say that it was the perfect moment for a blockbuster like that in the NFL world.
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