March 7, 2026, 10:19 a.m. ET

News travels fast around the Philadelphia Eagles fan base and the City of Brotherly Love’s media. It isn’t long after reports break that timelines are flooded. As we entered one final weekend before another new league year begins on Monday, one of the biggest stories was about someone Howie Roseman and his team weren’t able to acquire.

The Maxx Crosby fantasy is over. The Baltimore Ravens shook up the NFL landscape by agreeing to trade two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for a star. The deal becomes official on March 11 when the new league year begins, but its ripple effects are already being felt across the league.

The Eagles organization is no exception. That aforementioned fan base and media floated the idea of Philadelphia making a splash signing by adding one of the NFL’s most relentless pass rushers. Sure, that dream is officially off the table now. While that may disappoint some fans who enjoy offseason fireworks, the reality is that Crosby landing in Baltimore could be good news for several Eagles on the roster.

Nolan Smith

The Eagles would really love to see Nolan Smith thrive in a larger role. Now, they need him to do so. Crosby won’t be crowding Philadelphia’s depth chart, and that makes Smith’s extended stay seem more important for now.

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Things can change, but the hope is that Smith’s dominant performances come more frequently.

Jalyx Hunt

Jalyx Hunt represents one of the Eagles’ intriguing young defensive pieces. The athletic edge defender is still developing, but his upside makes him an exciting project for the coaching staff.

He led the Eagles in sacks last season (6.5). That said, it’s easy to see that Philadelphia has something here. His snaps would have decreased had Crosby been added, but for now, he’s still slotted for a meaningful role this season.

Jaelan Phillips

We seem to be on a collision course with Jaelan Phillips landing a deal that may pay him something in the area of $25 million per season. Most Eagles fans won’t have any issues with his extended stay, and missing out on one of the game’s elite pass rushers gives Phillips’ camp even more negotiating muscle.

Jalen Carter

We’ve now heard Jalen Carter’s name attached to two trade rumors involving an elite pass rusher. Philadelphia tossed around ideas of moving him in an attempt to acquire Micah Parsons. There are also whispers that he could have been packaged to convince the Raiders to send Crosby to Philadelphia.

He remains an Eagle, and his number is about to come up. Philadelphia can exercise the fifth-year option baked into his rookie deal, but it’s time to think about paying him. Make no mistake. His deal will be massive, especially since they don’t have to work around Crosby’s $35.5 million annual salary.

Worth mentioning: In many ways, this is the route the Eagles have preferred for years. They’d rather trust their ability to develop young talent along the defensive front than chase the biggest available name.

That philosophy helped turn players like Fletcher Cox and Jalen Carter into stars. It has also allowed emerging pass rushers such as Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt the opportunity to grow into larger roles.

So while Maxx Crosby heading to the Baltimore Ravens closes the door on another flashy offseason dream, it also reinforces something Philadelphia has believed for a long time. Championships are often built by trusting the talent already in the building. Now, several Eagles have the perfect opportunity to prove that belief was the right one.