The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, taking them from landing a top edge rusher to fill a major defensive need to still scrambling for answers. Just when it looked like coach Jesse Minter and coordinator Anthony Weaver would have a cornerstone superstar, they must start from scratch.
Luckily, even though the pool of available veteran pass rushers is now much shallower than when they "agreed" to acquire Crosby, there are still options. Here’s a breakdown of their best fallback plans, including the top free-agent prize.
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Ravens' best fallback options for Maxx Crosby
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals free agent
This is the obvious choice if Baltimore wants to steal a productive, relentless pass rusher from a division rival. Hendrickson has been talking with several teams, but the price hasn’t been right. Baltimore might be willing to stay aggressive to fill the need, spending big money without giving up the same level of draft compensation. The only downside is Hendrickson being 31 and coming off an injury-riddled season.
Jonathan Greenard, Vikings
The Vikings are looking at taking the former Texas pass rusher off their books via a trade ahead of him needing an extension in 2027. Should Minnesota make the move with current and future cap space in mind, Greenard, like Crosby, is 28, and isn't far removed from back-to-back dozen-sack seasons.
Joey Bosa, Bills free agent
Bosa played for Minter in Los Angeles in 2024 before playing in Buffalo last season. The former Charger would be a quick scheme fit, but he isn't the same force against pass and run that he once was at age 30.
Akheem Mesidor, Miami draft prospect
The Ravens pick No. 14 in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Now that they will keep the pick after the Crosby trade fell through, they can return to targeting rising pass rushers on April 23. Mesidor could be available without trading up and might even be an option if they trade down.
MORE:Why the Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami draft prospect
Bain has been slipping a little on boards because of some measurement concerns at the Combine, but his high-level clutch playmaking and film from college should still make him a top-10 pick. With the Ravens willing to part ways with draft capital, they also can use it to move up a few spots up the board to land Bain.
Rueben Bain
Keldric Faulk, Auburn draft prospect
Faulk would be another good first-round target around No. 14 as another solid fit for their base 3-4. He also could be acquired from a trade down, or a trade up from No. 46 in the second round.
MORE: What's next for Maxx Crosby in wake of failed trade to Baltimore?
David Bailey, Texas Tech draft prospect
Bailey’s first-round stock is rising after a strong Combine that showcased his athleticism. He’s a dynamic pass rusher with the speed and agility to drop into coverage. Moving up from No. 14 into the top 10 to select him would require using additional draft picks.