The Pittsburgh Steelers were featured in one of the most memorable games of the NFL's 2025 regular season. The very last contest came on Sunday Night Football with the AFC North on the line. The Baltimore Ravens had a chance to be victorious, only for Tyler Loop to miss a field goal as time expired. The domino effects that came after were completely unexpected. Less than two weeks later, both organizations were left without head coaches with Mike Tomlin deciding to resign, and John Harbaugh being fired from his post. It was quite the series of events for one of the most storied rivalries in football.
Don Wright / ap photo
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (left) and former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) talk on the field prior to a competitive matchup in Pittsburgh, PA.
Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta and Owner Steve Bisciotti decided to bring in Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter to run the locker room moving forward. It certainly is a new era in the AFC North, with Mike McCarthy now running things for the Steelers. With regime change typically comes many different roster decisions and surprises. That is already starting to take shape for the respective franchises.
One of the most high-profiled individuals from a player's perspective right now is Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. One of the very best at what he does, the defender is expected to get traded sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, for Pittsburgh, he may soon be wreaking havoc in the AFC North, with the Ravens being named as a seriously-involved potential suitor, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
"Maxx Crosby is drawing serious interest around the league," Russini wrote on X. "The Dallas Cowboys are closely monitoring the situation and remain very interested, while the Baltimore Ravens are also a team to watch. GMs believe the Las Vegas Raiders are willing to work on a deal."
Crosby has an incredible motor and is viewed as one of the most dynamic and versatile outside linebackers in the NFL. He is still just 28 years of age, with plenty of time remaining in his career to fortify what could be a Hall of Fame gold jacket one day. There is no doubt that games against the Ravens will be a lot more difficult for the Steelers if game-planning for Crosby comes into the equation twice per year.
Gaelen Morse / Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby (98) takes a knee after making a big play while competing against the Steelers during a professional football contest at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
This remains a developing situation, and a lot could end up happening. Baltimore isn't necessarily the favorite to swoop in and land Crosby, but it also isn't being ignored either. This trade could come together quickly, and DeCosta may be out in front of it, trying to land the All-Pro before another franchise can come in and seal the deal. This would be viewed as a blockbuster move that could have the chance to completely change the scope of the division in the short- and long-term.
Sources: Teams in the trade market have gotten the sense that the #Raiders are more open to the idea of trading Maxx Crosby, and it’s a situation that is only going to intensify. pic.twitter.com/9dI0HeHdkv
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026
Compensation will be steep, so the only true positive for the Steelers is that a division rival such as the Ravens would be expected to give up their 2026 first-round pick, and probably more. However, fans in the Steel City would probably prefer Baltimore have the chance to take a bust of a selection, rather than trade for a certified stud on the defensive end. It's not an ideal situation for Crosby to land in the AFC North with the Ravens if you're a Steelers fan.
Terrance Williams / Associated Press
Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta stands on the field while the team warms up prior to competing in a professional football game.
Steelers Have Grown Accustomed To Planning For Star Pass Rushers
The AFC North has had some of the best edge defenders throughout the NFL in recent seasons. With Pittsburgh's dynamic trio left out (TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig), there are still names such as Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson that have been around. Even if Hendrickson departs in free agency, Crosby would present a new challenge. The positive spin for the Steelers is that their offensive line has to go up against Watt and co. throughout training camp and during the season in practice to prepare.
#SteelerNation