One of the bigger news splashes of this offseason was the Maxx Crosby trade to the Ravens. This move was set to initiate a massive rebuild for the Las Vegas Raiders, while conversely opening up the window for a Super Bowl in Baltimore. Now, according to the Raiders’ official social media account, the Ravens have backed out of the deal. A massive trade like this falling through has ripple effects across the league, and there could be major changes in offseason planning for clubs.
Why Baltimore made the trade
Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle van Noy (53) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Baltimore’s sack percentage ranked 31st among all defenses, and none of their players logged more than five sacks on the year. For a franchise with a long history of getting to the QB, it was strange to see them struggle in that area. This was in large part due to a mysterious injury sidelining Nnamdi Madabuike for the entirety of the season. Nevertheless, they still needed some juice in pass-rush other than Madabuike, so, they targeted Crosby.
Why the Raiders made the trade
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
All of the holes in Vegas’ roster would take more than one offseason to patch. If they were to surround their upcoming franchise QB with a solid foundation, they needed some more draft capital and cap space. While the idea of maintaining Maxx Crosby’s services may be too good to pass up, Vegas would fare better if they capitalized while Crosby’s value is at its peak and send him off.
The trade
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
In exchange for Crosby, the Ravens would be sending their upcoming two first round picks. Crosby would come in and help Baltimore get over the playoff hump. Meanwhile, the extra draft capital would be a massive boon for Vegas’ rebuild endeavors.
The news
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
During the second day of NFL free agency frenzy, the Raiders official twitter account suddenly posted some breaking news. “The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby.” Trades don’t become official until March 11th 4pm ET, so at face value, the Ravens have not done anything illegal. Now, Baltimore gets their picks back, and Crosby returns to Vegas.
The physical
Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
With questions and speculation surrounding this decision, league sources stated that Baltimore backed out due to Crosby failing his physical examination. According to Dianna Russini, “After Maxx Crosby underwent testing today at the Ravens’ facility, Baltimore made the decision as an organization that it could not move forward with the deal based on the results of the medical.” More specifically, Russini also reported that “The Ravens’ doctors — along with multiple independent ones — reviewed Crosby’s MRI. They were unified in the belief that Crosby’s short-term outlook was positive, but there were concerns about the long-term prognosis of Crosby’s knee, per sources.”
Crosby’s injury
Feb 10, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The jerseys of Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) at the Raider Image store at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
However, it was no secret that Crosby was dealing with a nagging meniscus injury. After the Raiders (to Crosby’s dismay) shut him down for the last two games of their season, Crosby underwent a minor meniscus repair. This was back in January, and recovery for a repair usually takes 3-4 months. As such, it makes sense that he’d still be in the midst of his recovery and wouldn’t be up to tip-top shape yet. Of course, there’s a chance that the Ravens spotted an issue more concerning than what the Raiders disclosed. Nevertheless, given how league sources indicate that the Raiders are frustrated with the deal falling through, it seems like Vegas isn’t at fault.
Baltimore’s free agency losses
Jun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
A conspiracy that’s risen following the news has to do with Baltimore’s massive attrition in free agency. Nine of their unrestricted free agents signed with other teams. Meanwhile, they themselves only brought in one. With a lack of first rounders and less cap space, dealing with those losses would be mightily difficult. So, it makes sense that perhaps they got cold feet and decided to nix the trade before it became official. There’s nothing that confirms this theory though, and it’s very likely we’ll never know for sure whether this was the case.
What now?
Feb 9, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the Super Bowl LX host committee handoff press conference at Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Everyone around the league is holding their breath. The Raiders are looking into their options for the time being, as they would like to sort out what this means for Crosby. If there truly is a deeper issue at hand which maybe even Vegas wasn’t aware of, the superstar edge rusher’s value will likely hit rock bottom. However, if the Ravens found some sort of loophole which allowed them to get their picks back, perhaps league discipline will follow.
Potential suitors
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
If Crosby’s value dips due to this issue, there’s a high chance that more teams will join the bidding war for him. The Jaguars, Eagles, Bears and Cowboys were all monitoring his trade value and pushing to get him. Though the Cowboys are no longer part of the sweepstakes for his services, others should take their spot. Interestingly enough, the Bengals could be willing to take the hit to get him. Ultimately, whoever gets Crosby will surely appreciate their issues. Though he probably doesn’t have much left in the tank following a few more years, he can immediately launch a team into contending status with his presence alone.
