Ja’Marr Chase Reacts to Maxx Crosby Trade: A Heated Response
Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase didn’t hold back his frustration upon learning of the Las Vegas Raiders trading five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby to their AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Chase, while livestreaming a video game, received a text from quarterback Joe Burrow detailing the move, sparking an expletive-laden rant.
“Joe just f—ing texted me. Ravens traded for Maxx Crosby,” Chase was heard saying during the livestream. “No f—ing s—. No f—ing s—, brother. I’m f—ing highly p—ed right now. Oh my God.”
AFC North Dominance & Offensive Line Concerns
Chase’s anger stems from the already formidable pass-rushing talent in the AFC North. With Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett, who set a single-season sack record in 2025, and Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro T.J. Watt already in the division, the addition of Crosby elevates the Ravens’ defense to an even higher level. Chase questioned, “How do we let this n—- go to the f—ing division bro?”
The Raiders received two first-round picks from the Ravens, including the No. 14 overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, for Crosby. Baltimore, under new defensive-minded head coach Jesse Minter, is clearly prioritizing defensive improvements. However, this move has significant implications for opposing offenses, particularly the Bengals, who have struggled with pass protection.
Burrow’s Sack Problem & Bengals’ O-Line Needs
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Joe Burrow has been sacked 213 times – the fourth-most among active quarterbacks. This constant pressure is a major concern for the Bengals, and addressing the offensive line is a top priority. The team currently has around $47 million to work with during the legal tampering period, and could look to free agency or the NFL Draft to bolster the line.
Bengals’ Free Agency & Future Outlook
The Bengals have decided not to franchise tag Trey Hendrickson, their top pass rusher, who is expected to command a significant contract in free agency. This decision suggests the team is focusing its resources on protecting Burrow. Despite recent setbacks, including injuries to Burrow in 2023 and 2025 (resulting in a 6-11 record), the Bengals still possess offensive firepower with Chase, Tee Higgins (who recently signed an extension), and running back Chase Brown, who had a breakout season in 2025 with 1,019 rushing yards and 69 receptions for 437 yards.
However, navigating the AFC North’s defenses six times a year remains a daunting task, and the addition of Crosby makes the Ravens an even more formidable opponent. As Ja’Marr Chase clearly understands, the competition in the AFC North is fierce.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
