The Baltimore Ravens have pulled out of a blockbuster trade that would have sent Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore for two first-round picks, Las Vegas announced Tuesday. The Raiders released a brief statement saying the Ravens backed out of the agreement and offered no further comment.
The deal was reached Friday but could not become official until the new league year begins Wednesday. Trades are contingent on physicals, and the Ravens’ decision is believed to stem from medical concerns about Crosby’s left knee, which underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus. Crosby, 28, posted videos on social media Monday showing him arriving in Baltimore to meet with the team, suggesting he expected the trade to go through.
Crosby’s agent, CJ LaBoy, wrote on social media Tuesday that his client “continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule according to his surgeon Dr. Neal El Attrache.” LaBoy added that Crosby remains on track to return during the offseason program. However, the Ravens may have been uneasy about Crosby’s long-term durability; he has undergone eight surgeries in seven NFL seasons.
The Raiders had planned to use Baltimore’s first-round pick (No. 14 overall) as they rebuild, with the team expected to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana with the No. 1 overall pick. Las Vegas has been aggressive in free agency, spending nearly $300 million in new contracts on Monday alone, but still has the cap space to accommodate Crosby’s $30 million salary for 2026.
The collapse of the trade raises questions about Crosby’s relationship with the organization. He had grown discontented with the Raiders’ constant rebuilding and the decision to shut him down for the final two games of last season to secure the No. 1 pick. The Raiders could now seek to trade Crosby to another team, but may not receive compensation as rich as the Ravens’ offer, which included a 2027 first-round pick. Other teams may also be wary after the Ravens’ medical evaluation.
The ripple effects could spread across the league. The Dallas Cowboys, believed to be the runner-up for Crosby, instead agreed to trade for edge rusher Rashan Gary. Multiple reports from Dallas indicate the Cowboys will complete that deal and not pursue Crosby. The Ravens, still needing edge help, could target Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, who would cost a similar salary without requiring draft picks.
