Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

NFL fans joke about Joe Burrow being the biggest loser of the Maxx Crosby trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 11:51 PM ET

Fans were quick to pile on one player who indirectly became one of the biggest losers of the Maxx Crosby trade.

The Las Vegas Raiders traded Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens on Friday in a stunning move that added another standout pass-rusher to the AFC North.

Jokes were flying shortly after news of the trade broke about how Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was about to be in a world of hurt.

Burrow was already facing Defensive Player of the Year winners Myles Garrett and TJ Watt four times a year when the Bengals played the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. The LSU alum now has to deal with Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler in his own right, twice a year on top of that.

– Maxx Crosby to the Ravens.

Myles Garrett
T.J. Watt
Maxx Crosby

All in the same division.

Pray for Joe Burrow behind that line.
— Sean M. Greene ll (@sean_incredible) March 7, 2026

The AFC North:

– Maxx Crosby
– Myles Garrett
– TJ Watt

Sorry, Joe Burrow.
— JPA (@jasrifootball) March 7, 2026

2026: COMING TO YOU THIS NFL SEASON in the AFC North…

Joe Burrow v. The Terror Triad:

Maxx Crosby | Myles Garrett | TJ Watt

Will Joe survive?

To be continued… pic.twitter.com/eBecLaN94B
— Joshua Cho (@jbchoknows) March 7, 2026

AFC North:

Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett

Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt

Baltimore Ravens: Maxx Crosby

... will Joe Burrow announce early retirement? pic.twitter.com/ZESU4HPqWp
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) March 7, 2026

To say that the Bengals offensive line has been a sore spot for Cincinnati over the last few years would be a massive understatement.

Burrow has been beaten to a pulp behind a flimsy O-line week after week, which has contributed to him suffering several injuries in the last few seasons alone. The recovery process has clearly taken its toll on Burrow, whose comments in December had fans wondering if Burrow might become the next Andrew Luck and retire early.

Things aren’t going to get any easier next season with Crosby joining the division. The spotlight will shine even brighter on Cincinnati’s offensive line, which, despite its shortcomings, consistently gets some of the best Christmas gifts from Burrow each year. They’ll need to earn those presents once the season begins.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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