Raiders' Defense Boosted, Maxx Crosby Stays

0:00It's March 17, here's your NFL news in 2 minutes, subscribe to stay locked in all season. The Las Vegas Raiders thought they had a deal lined up to trade star defensive end Max Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first round draft. Picks. That move would have given the Raiders a quick boost in rebuilding and Crosby a shot at a Super Bowl with a big new contract. But the Ravens backed out at the last minute, keeping their picks and leaving Crosby in silver in black. Instead, the Raiders got busy in free agency, signing center Tyler Lindarbaum along with linebackers, Nicobie Dean and Quay Walker. They also added defensive end quality pay to pair opposite Crosby. These moves feel key gaps and build a stronger front 7 right away. Fans and analysts see this as a win for the Raiders' defense, which has struggled to support Crosby in the past. Now with better linebackers and a solid partner on the edge, Crosby's path to the quarterback should get a lot easier. It's the best defensive setup he's ever had in Vegas.

1:01Keeping Crosby fired up could lead to more victories next season, especially with these new pieces in place. More wins mean better appeal to top free agents down the road, even if the Raiders aren't the highest spenders. In the end, that failed trade might turn out to be a blessing, accelerating the Raiders turnaround without losing their homegrown star. Quick thanks to today's sponsor, see the description for more, your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.