Why did Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade? Explaining failed physical that blew up deal with Raiders
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Why did Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade? Explaining failed physical that blew up deal with Raiders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of the NFL offseason’s blockbuster moves has fallen through, as the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their agreed-upon deal to acquire star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Visit cat-cross.com for more information.
The trade had been agreed to days before the start of free agency, but no deals could become official until the new league year began Wednesday afternoon.
The Ravens were prepared to pay a steep price for Crosby, including two first-round picks. With the deal off, the Raiders will need to find a new suitor if they still intend to trade the edge rusher.
Here’s what you need to know about the Ravens’ decision on Tuesday night.
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Why did Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade?
The Ravens called off the Crosby trade after the pass-rusher failed his physical, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported. Multiple reports confirmed that medical issues led Baltimore to back out.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added that the Ravens decided the risk wasn't worthwhile after Crosby evaluating his knee, which is still on the mend after meniscus surgery at the end of this past season.
Why did Maxx Crosby fail his physical?
Crosby finished the 2025 season on the sideline, undergoing meniscus surgery. In February, Rapoport reported he underwent a full meniscus repair rather than a simple trim. Crosby previously missed five games with an ankle injury in 2024 but played in every game possible over his first five NFL seasons.
Crosby's agent downplayed medical concerns about his client on Tuesday, tweeting, "Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule."
Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule according to his surgeon Dr Neal El Attrache. Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons.
— CJ LaBoy (@CJLaBoy) March 11, 2026
Other teams involved in the Crosby sweepstakes knew the pass-rusher was expected to remain sidelined until June or July, ESPN's Cameron Wolfe reported, adding that the saga could impact how teams work with the Ravens moving forward.
One NFL general manager told me everybody involved in Maxx Crosby trade talks knew he would be out until June/July coming off meniscus surgery.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 11, 2026
Consensus opinion I’ve got from NFL decision makers: Ravens got cold feet & it could impact how other teams work w/ BAL going forward.
While the trade was agreed upon, deals cannot become official until 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday, when the new league year officially begins. As the only player involved, Crosby's physical was the final step before the deal could become official on Wednesday.
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Raiders statement on Maxx Crosby situation
The Raiders broke the news themselves on Monday, announcing in a short statement that the Ravens backed out of the deal and only adding that they will have no further comment.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 11, 2026
Because the deal couldn't yet become official, the Raiders never formally announced the trade after it was agreed upon last week.
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Maxx Crosby trade details
The Ravens agreed to trade 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to the Raiders for Crosby on Friday night. The deal did not involve any other players or picks, though Baltimore would have had to absorb Crosby's hefty salary for at least 2026.
The Raiders dangled Crosby in trade talks after the Pro-Bowler became frustrated in Las Vegas. Not only were the Raiders struggling to be competitive, but the team's decision late in the season to shut him down with a knee injury was a source of some discontent, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported.
Glazer gave some insight into Crosby's thought process after the Raiders said they were shutting him down, explaining that Crosby thought, "Man, screw these guys. They’re shutting me down. I am not about this. Hell, no. I’m not doing it. I left the facility. I’m out. I want to get traded. I’m done." Glazer said he had to "talk him off a ledge" after he stormed out of the facility in December.
While Raiders GM John Spytek said at the NFL Combine that the team was in the business of keeping talented players, the Ravens came with an offer Las Vegas was happy to accept. Now, the Raiders will likely try to find a similar offer from another organization, while the Ravens will have to go back to the drawing board if they want to land a pass-rusher that can come anywhere close to Crosby's impact.