-
Ryan McFadden
Multiple Authors
THE TWO DAYS MAXX CROSBY spent in Maryland were exceptionally busy.
The celebrated defensive end landed in Baltimore on March 9, following the Las Vegas Raiders’ surprising agreement with the Baltimore Ravens to trade Crosby for a pair of first-round draft selections. This transaction, unexpected by many, would have concluded Crosby’s seven-year run with the Raiders.
Yet, quite abruptly, the entire arrangement collapsed.
Upon completing his physical examination and MRI on Tuesday, Crosby received the startling announcement that Baltimore had withdrawn from the trade with Las Vegas, citing health issues. His anticipation of joining a championship-caliber team vanished, and he went back to Las Vegas utterly perplexed by the turn of events.
Individuals connected to the Raiders and Crosby himself express doubt that his health was the only reason for the trade’s cancellation, especially considering the timing and Baltimore’s prior knowledge of his injury status.
“They possessed all the relevant scans and medical evaluations,” an informed source disclosed to ESPN.
Therefore, what led to such a swift change of plans? What events unfolded between the initial trade announcement on Friday and its cancellation four days later? ESPN interviewed individuals familiar with the circumstances to uncover the true narrative surrounding Baltimore, Las Vegas, and one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.
“Nobody will ever reveal the complete story,” Crosby stated on a recent episode of his podcast, “The Rush.”
IN MARCH OF LAST YEAR, CROSBY secured a three-year deal valued at $106.5 million, positioning him among the highest-compensated non-quarterbacks ever in the NFL. General manager John Spytek had then described this agreement as foundational for a “fresh chapter in Raiders football.”
“I struggle to envision a more deserving individual to recognize for his past contributions, while also anticipating his future impact,” Spytek commented. “… When players like Maxx, frankly, it’s widely known that this team hasn’t always had an easy run, but his dedication to the Raiders, coupled with his embodiment of the values [previous] coach [Pete Carroll], myself, and this new team emphasize, truly resonates.”
However, Crosby’s allegiance had been tested. During his time with the Raiders, the 29-year-old had experienced four different head coaches, four general managers, and nine starting quarterbacks. With each new leadership group, Crosby was consistently expected to be the team’s core, establish its identity, and even help attract new talent.
While not stated publicly, Crosby privately signaled this offseason his desire to depart from the Raiders, making a separation appear unavoidable. His paramount goal was to achieve top-tier success. Given the team’s persistent changes and disarray, Crosby had only participated in one playoff run and suffered through five losing years, including a 3-14 finish in 2025 which resulted in Carroll’s dismissal on January 5.
“Being the prominent figure of a team is fine, but I aspire to be a champion,” Crosby declared after finalizing his contract extension with Las Vegas last March. “Titles and accolades are nice, but if we’re not victorious, what exactly are you representing? I wish to symbolize triumph, and that is genuinely my ultimate objective.”
Crosby concluded the previous season leading the team with 10 sacks, despite contending with a left knee ailment suffered during a Week 7 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs. He continued to play despite the injury until the team placed him on injured reserve prior to their Week 17 match, a game that held implications for the first overall selection in the 2026 draft.
This decision, made on December 26, left Crosby feeling exasperated, and some of his fellow players astonished. Crosby understood that knee surgery would be necessary in the offseason, but having previously endured discomfort, he questioned why he couldn’t do so again.
“I found it somewhat unexpected. I’ve witnessed Maxx compete through numerous injuries, so his absence is always a shock,” Malcolm Koonce, a Raiders edge rusher, informed ESPN. “He has consistently displayed that characteristic since my inaugural season. He has always been a guiding presence.”
Even with confronting knee, shoulder, hand, and ankle injuries throughout his seven NFL campaigns and undergoing eight surgical procedures, Crosby has participated in 110 professional contests (104 starts), missing merely seven games. Since joining the league, Crosby has amassed 69.5 sacks – the third-highest total in Raiders franchise history – and generated 360 quarterback pressures, surpassing the next nearest player (Myles Garrett of Cleveland) by 29, according to ESPN Research.
“Consequently, one hopes for more victories for him,” commented Patrick Graham, the former Raiders defensive coordinator now serving in the same capacity for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
Crosby had meniscus repair surgery on January 7 and pledged to be “fully prepared” for training camp. The uncertainty, however, was whether he would be wearing a Raiders uniform.
Spytek, along with recently appointed head coach Klint Kubiak and owner Mark Davis, each stated at different times during the offseason their anticipation of Crosby playing for Las Vegas in 2026. “Maxx is an exceptional athlete, and I’ve been completely candid since my arrival here that our objective is to have outstanding players on the roster, and we require many more,” Spytek remarked at the NFL combine in February.
Concurrently, Spytek refrained from declaring Crosby as untouchable. Las Vegas was disinclined to transfer Crosby unless the proposal was too good to decline. For the Raiders to release their foundational player, they required a proposition that involved several first-round selections, akin to the Micah Parsons trade from Dallas to Green Bay in August of last year.
The Ravens, unexpectedly, initiated contact.
THROUGHOUT THE RAVENS’ 31-year organizational existence, they have never utilized a first-round draft choice to acquire an experienced player via trade.
However, during the team’s 8-9 campaign in 2025, the Ravens faced difficulties generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Baltimore stood 28th in pass rush win rate (29.9%) and 30th in sacks (30). Baltimore General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed his conviction that Crosby, recognized as one of the league’s top defensive ends, “was destined to be a Raven” and would promptly resolve a significant defensive deficiency.
Discussions between the Ravens and Raiders gained momentum on March 5, with Crosby’s representatives informed of developments at each stage. The subsequent evening, Crosby learned that Baltimore had consented to the Raiders’ demand for two first-round draft selections.
Nevertheless, the agreement depended on Crosby successfully completing a physical examination before the trade could be formally recognized at the commencement of the new league year on March 11.
Baltimore surpassed the Dallas Cowboys, who similarly aimed to acquire a premier pass rusher. Initial proposals from Dallas revolved around their second first-round selection at pick No. 20, along with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Subsequently, the Cowboys presented their higher first-rounder at pick No. 12 and a third-round choice. Eventually, Dallas’s final two offers involved pick No. 12 and their second-round pick, though these proposals, according to sources, no longer featured Odighizuwa, who was subsequently dealt to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round selection.
In this seemingly cordial parting of ways between the Raiders and Crosby, both parties seemed to benefit. Crosby was set to join a superior squad, affording him the opportunity to compete in significant January games. The Ravens have reached the playoffs in six of their last eight seasons, notably appearing in the AFC Championship Game in 2023. The Raiders’ most recent conference title game appearance was in 2002.
Las Vegas, conversely, acquired the necessary assets to seriously commence its reconstruction. When the trade was initially agreed upon, the Raiders possessed four first-round selections across the subsequent two seasons. They were poised to be one of five franchises holding two first-round picks in 2026.
On March 9, Crosby mentioned he was flown to Washington, D.C., followed by a drive to Baltimore, filled with significant enthusiasm for his prospective new chapter.
“I wish [the Raiders] every possible success,” Crosby expressed in an emotive goodbye video published on his social media on March 7, which has since been taken down.
CROSBY’S KNEE REPRESENTED an issue that had been deliberated by the Ravens and Raiders prior to the trade, as per league informants. Crosby was over a month post-knee surgery and commenced walking unassisted by crutches on February 27.
Crosby disclosed on his podcast that March 10 was dedicated to physical examinations and an MRI. He mentioned that he did not have the opportunity to confer with Ravens coach Jesse Minter and DeCosta until approximately 5 p.m. ET.
Following the initial publication of this account, an insider revealed that Minter and other defensive coaches greeted Crosby almost immediately upon his arrival at the team premises. DeCosta, who was occupied with retaining current free agents and recruiting new ones during the initial day of the legal tampering window, had met with Crosby earlier in the afternoon.
“I expected to meet [DeCosta] upon my arrival. I’m unsure why. I won’t theorize,” Crosby remembered. “He had just executed the trade, and I didn’t encounter him for five hours.”
In Crosby’s subsequent meeting with Minter and DeCosta, he described an unsettling atmosphere. He then became alarmed when DeCosta conveyed that a medical professional had reservations about his knee, prompting them to seek further consultations.
Beyond their internal medical staff, the Ravens solicited evaluations on Crosby’s knee from several external physicians, notably Dan Cooper, a distinguished knee expert and the Cowboys’ team doctor. Historically, Dallas has relied on Cooper’s specialized knowledge for choices like selecting Jaylon Smith in the second round in 2016, despite severe ligament tears and nerve damage, and picking Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round last year despite an ACL rupture.
However, Cooper’s opinion was not the decisive factor in Baltimore’s consideration of withdrawing from the agreement.
The general agreement was that Crosby would be fit to play in 2026. The Ravens’ apprehension, however, revolved around the long-term reliability of Crosby’s knee after a few seasons with Baltimore, due to a degenerative condition, an ESPN source indicated.
Crosby returned to his hotel room on Tuesday evening and contacted his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who assured him of his sound condition and substantial rehabilitation advancements. ElAttrache conveyed a comparable viewpoint to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“Maxx Crosby is progressing exceptionally well in the initial stages of his rehabilitation and recuperation following surgery for a considerable meniscus tear and the associated stress damage to the bone and cartilage in his knee,” ElAttrache informed Schefter. “He is unequivocally adhering to his prescribed regimen. … He reports feeling excellent and has already significantly improved since before the operation.”
Several individuals with direct insight into the matter believed that both the Raiders and Crosby’s agents were forthcoming regarding the injury throughout the trade discussions, and that Baltimore had thoroughly investigated Crosby’s recovery and projected schedule during that period.
“[The Ravens] possessed ample data and still authorized the trade,” one source noted. “They conducted sufficient groundwork that should have alleviated some of the apprehensions.”
Teams typically exchange relevant medical details – including MRI scans – when processing a trade, provided consent is given, another source elaborated.
Crosby’s agents, CJ LaBoy and Doug Hendrickson, informed him after his discussion with Minter and DeCosta that they anticipated Baltimore would cancel the trade, Crosby said. Despite his agents’ doubts regarding the trade’s completion, Crosby mentioned that a Ravens staff member contacted him subsequent to his call with his agents, asserting that the team intended to finalize the transaction.
Crosby recounted that five minutes following his conversation with the staff member, LaBoy notified him that Baltimore had abandoned the agreement.
A “furious” and “perplexed” Crosby boarded a private aircraft – facilitated and funded by the Ravens – to journey back to Las Vegas as reports of the trade’s collapse surfaced publicly around 8 p.m. ET on March 10.
“We have engaged in numerous distinct trades. A crucial aspect involves bringing the player in to gather as much data as feasible,” DeCosta informed journalists the subsequent day. “We performed this, and we were unable to finalize the player acquisition process based on our evaluation of the circumstances.”
DECOSTA DECLINED TO PROVIDE precise reasons for the Ravens’ withdrawal from the significant agreement, but he asserted his belief that it represented the most advantageous course for the organization going forward.
“No one is more dismayed by this outcome than I am – truly devastated by it,” he declared on March 11. “It is a profound regret for me, but we, as a football team, shall advance.”
However, the Ravens swiftly adjusted their strategy.
Thirteen hours subsequent to ESPN’s report of the Crosby agreement being nullified, sources informed Schefter that Baltimore had reached an understanding with former Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson for a four-year, $112 million contract, encompassing $60 million in guaranteed funds and a $20 million signing bonus.
This development fostered skepticism concerning whether Crosby’s knee genuinely constituted Baltimore’s primary concern, yet DeCosta maintained that the choices regarding Crosby’s departure and Hendrickson’s acquisition were “independent of each other.”
Two executives from rival teams informed ESPN they held some reservations about DeCosta’s assertion. As one NFC executive expressed it, “I believe the reality lies somewhere in the middle,” clarifying that only Baltimore possesses the full specifics of the physical examination.
Although Crosby was present at the Ravens’ facility on March 10 and largely separate from the team’s senior management throughout the day, DeCosta admitted that the organization had also conversed with Hendrickson that day. DeCosta further explained that the team’s interest in Hendrickson grew after three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum finalized a groundbreaking three-year, $81 million contract with the Raiders on March 9. Linderbaum had previously played four seasons for the Ravens.
An informant revealed that the Ravens had extended a four-year, $88 million offer to Linderbaum. When the 25-year-old offensive lineman opted for Las Vegas, Baltimore considered allocating the funds originally intended for Linderbaum towards another prominent pass rusher, possibly to play alongside Crosby.
“We initiated conversations with him and his representative, contemplating the prospect of having two pass rushers on each end of our defensive line,” DeCosta stated. “That scenario was certainly within our considerations.”
Initially, the Ravens, mirroring other franchises in talks with Hendrickson, were disinclined to satisfy his requested long-term contract value of $40 million annually. Hendrickson, aged 31, had undergone core muscle surgery in December, explaining why teams were cautious about offering him a three- or four-year agreement.
As no agreement for Hendrickson materialized during the negotiation window commencing at noon ET on March 9, interested parties learned that his requested contract figure had decreased. Once Baltimore resolved on March 10 not to proceed with the Crosby transaction, they enhanced their proposal to a level Hendrickson would accept.
“We sensed this year presented an opportunity for a significant move,” DeCosta remarked. “We identified certain players we believed could make a difference, with Trey being a primary candidate.”
Concurrently, the General Manager disputed the assertion that the Ravens hesitated on the Crosby trade, stating that rescinding the trade had not adversely impacted his professional relationships with other organizations and agents.
“My phone has certainly not ceased ringing; I can assure you of that,” DeCosta commented on March 11.
THE SENTIMENT WITHIN the Raiders’ facility upon Spytek learning the news from Baltimore was one of astonishment rather than resentment. As per a team informant, Spytek serenely informed front office personnel, “Listen, the Ravens withdrew from the agreement,” subsequently elucidating the rationale for the decision. Nonetheless, this development did not diminish the morale of Davis and the wider organization.
Las Vegas’ leadership convened on Tuesday evening after the announcement to deliberate the ramifications of Baltimore’s choice on their offseason strategies and whether the Raiders could proceed with the free agent commitments made, given that Crosby’s $35.8 million salary cap impact was once again accounted for.
Ultimately, Las Vegas upheld its pledges to over seven free agents and finalized a trade to bring in slot cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills.
Crosby rejoined the facility on March 11 and was warmly received by staff and fellow players. He has since reaffirmed his dedication to the Raiders both internally and publicly.
“I am precisely where I belong,” Crosby stated.
The Raiders may have reevaluated signing both Koonce and Paye if they had foreseen the Crosby trade being rescinded, a team insider conceded. However, with Crosby’s return, the Raiders now possess a formidable group of edge rushers.
“I don’t believe anyone harbored animosity towards Baltimore,” a team source commented regarding any resentment towards Baltimore. “If the least favorable outcome is regaining an All-Pro player, that is hardly a negative situation.”
An insider privy to the Raiders’ strategy indicated that the more significant challenge lies in their approach to April’s draft, as they no longer possess the No. 14 selection alongside their top overall pick. The intention to select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 still stands, but any strategies devised for the second first-round pick may now require adjustment through trades or additional player acquisitions.
“We must be entirely frank about our current standing; we have numerous requirements to fulfill, and we possess substantial resources to accomplish this,” Spytek declared at the combine.
CROSBY EARNESTLY DESIRED to compete for a championship team, was informed he would, and subsequently witnessed that prospect abruptly vanish. Reflecting from the very studio where he had recorded a goodbye message to the Raiders, Crosby remarked on his latest podcast that he may never fully comprehend the actual reasons for Baltimore’s withdrawal from the agreement.
However, he asserts his conviction that his perplexing experience on the East Coast served as an affirmation that he is destined for Las Vegas. Previously, Crosby frequently articulated his allegiance to the Raiders, though this did not prevent him from almost transitioning to a Raven.
Teams persist in inquiring about his availability, yet currently, the Raiders’ demands for trading Crosby’s contract stay elevated. And considering recent events, other teams are reluctant to satisfy that price, a league insider stated. Several Raiders sources indicate they would be astonished if Crosby were traded in the near future. While a chance might arise closer to the draft, the team is decidedly receptive to keeping him.
When the Ravens withdrew from the trade, Dallas pondered re-entering the pursuit. Although the Cowboys did not entirely rule out a Crosby trade, a source mentioned they were not resuming discussions.
The Raiders are set to commence the 2026 season with a first-year quarterback and new appointments for head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. Will this squad surpass the previous season’s iteration that concluded 3-14 under Carroll and erstwhile quarterback Geno Smith? To an extent, certainly, having addressed crucial requirements during free agency. Nonetheless, the Raiders still face numerous roster gaps, and the significant query of Mendoza’s successful adaptation to the NFL in his inaugural year remains prominent.
Consequently, Crosby might once more find himself the subject of trade discussions as the November deadline approaches. Should Crosby maintain a high performance level while Las Vegas faces difficulties, a playoff-bound team might contemplate acquiring him to bolster their postseason aspirations.
Presently, he remains a Raider.
“I am present. I am destined to be a Raider,” Crosby declared on his podcast. “… I am committed to this situation indefinitely unless circumstances shift, which I do not anticipate, though unpredictability defines this sport.”
Contributions to this report were provided by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Jeremy Fowler, Jamison Hensley, and Todd Archer.
