The NFL offseason got a little more interesting as the Baltimore Ravens abruptly backed out of a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The deal, agreed upon on March 7, 2026, would have sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027). But after a physical flagged concerns—stemming from his January meniscus repair surgery—the Ravens pulled the plug.
Crosby said he was totally confused by the whole situation, confirming he was told by the Ravens that they found what they deemed concerning long-term knee risks for a soon-to-be-29-year-old. They said they liked him and wanted him, but that they needed to do more tests because they were too worried at that point to complete the deal.
Raiders GM John Spytek quickly announced the trade had fallen apart, leaving fans, and Crosby stunned. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler with consistent double-digit sacks, broke his silence on his podcast “The Rush,” calling the rollercoaster one of the most “up-and-down” experiences of his life.
He admitted being “f–king livid” and generally panicked upon learning the news—packing up after a tense Baltimore visit and flying home on a private jet. Ari Meirov posted on X, “Crosby says on The Rush With Maxx that he didn’t see Ravens GM Eric DeCosta or HC Jesse Minter during the first five hours of his visit, and when he finally met with DeCosta, the energy felt off. DeCosta then informed him they had concerns about his medicals. “I was thinking in my head, ‘what the f***?’”
After a little time, he’s had a chance to reflect on the deal. He seems glad it didn’t go through. “I’m meant to be a Raider. I’m back,” he said.
Did the Ravens Get Cold Feet?
The failed physical sparked conspiracy chatter—everyone knew about the surgery, so why bail now? Ravens GM Eric DeCosta called it a “difficult but necessary” call to protect the massive investment.
For the Raiders, it’s decision time: Keep Crosby or try to move him again and field new offers? There was speculation that teams like the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles were interested and could be again. If a trade is made, however, the Raiders will likely have to accept cheaper packages—seconds and thirds —rather than the two first-rounders Baltimore offered.
Crosby said his surgeon later called him and told him not to listen to what they were saying: “They know you had your surgery nine weeks ago… You’ll be back by training camp.” “No one will ever admit what the real truth is. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. I am where I’m supposed to be,” Crosby said.
