The Baltimore Ravens’ acquisition of pass-rusher Maxx Crosby for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 was one of the biggest stories of the offseason.
Or so the NFL world thought.
In a shocking development, the Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday “the Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby. We will have no further comment at the time.”
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Crosby did not pass his physical Tuesday, meaning the Ravens will receive their draft picks back with the trade no longer happening.
Crosby’s agent, CJ LaBoy, released a statement saying that his client “continues to be on track in his recovery” and “remains on track to return during the offseason program.”
To say this is stunning would be an understatement, as it appeared Crosby was going to suit up for a presumed AFC contender as one of the best pass-rushers in the league. That he was joining an AFC North division that already featured Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt only added more intrigue to the situation.
At least AFC North quarterbacks don’t have to worry about that scenario any longer.
Mike Silver of The Athletic provided a look at the fallout:
Baltimore was among the most disappointing teams in the league last season with an 8-9 record. It missed the playoffs after three straight double-digit win seasons and ended up moving on from head coach John Harbaugh as a result.
Only the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers finished with fewer sacks than the Ravens’ 30, and the addition of Crosby seemed like an immediate fix for one of the team’s most glaring concerns.
The five-time Pro Bowler finished last season with 73 tackles, 10 sacks, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and one interception, which marked the fourth time in his career he reached double-digit sacks.
The next logical question is whether the Raiders will still trade him elsewhere this offseason. After all, they are in rebuilding mode with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, which will presumably be used on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Trading Crosby, 28, for additional draft assets would give the front office more opportunities to add young and talented players on similar timelines to that rebuilding effort.
But Las Vegas also might not get as much in return for Crosby at this point. Other potential suitors will have concerns with his health since this trade was reportedly voided by a failed physical, and the AFC West team doesn’t exactly have a significant amount of leverage after making it clear it is good with trading him this offseason.
Teams such as the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars were previously linked to Crosby before he was traded to Baltimore and could potentially reopen some of those discussions as the Raiders decide what to do next.