Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed deep regret Wednesday over the decision to pull out of a trade that would have sent Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore for two first-round picks.
“Nobody is more upset about this than me. Gutted by it, actually. A big regret for me, but we will move on as a football team,” DeCosta told reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
The Ravens had Crosby in the building Tuesday for a physical exam and decided to back out based on their medical evaluation. The reversal raised eyebrows when Baltimore quickly pivoted to sign edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a cheaper deal without giving up draft picks.
DeCosta pushed back on the notion that the Ravens simply took advantage of a falling market for Hendrickson. He insisted the team planned to acquire both players, pairing them as a dominant pass-rushing duo. That plan became feasible after the Raiders signed Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, creating cap space for Baltimore.
“I think it was disappointing to us and probably in a way, disappointing to Trey as well,” DeCosta said of not being able to pair Crosby and Hendrickson.
DeCosta said he communicated with Raiders general manager John Spytek throughout Tuesday before ultimately calling off the deal. “I love the Raiders,” DeCosta said. “It was devastating for me to have that conversation and I’m sure challenging for them as well. … But I’ve got a responsibility to do what’s best for the club and that’s what we always try to do.”
The Raiders have not made a public statement beyond confirming Baltimore’s withdrawal. The team now faces a decision: keep Crosby despite moves made in preparation for his departure, or seek a new trade partner. Finding a similarly appealing offer may be difficult, as other teams have already spent cap space and draft capital.
Crosby’s surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, told ESPN that Crosby “is doing very well” recovering from a meniscus repair on his left knee—his eighth surgery in seven NFL seasons. ElAttrache acknowledged the challenge Baltimore’s medical staff faced in projecting Crosby’s long-term health so early in his recovery.
