The Baltimore Ravens shocked the NFL on Tuesday when they backed out of a Maxx Crosby trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders agreed to send their star defensive end to Baltimore on Friday. In exchange, the Ravens sent two first-rounders to Las Vegas.
After Crosby failed his physical test, the Ravens called off the trade. The rest of the league is now wondering what could have possibly gone wrong. The Ravens then pivoted to Trey Hendrickson, who signed a four-year, $112 million deal, while the Ravens received Crosby back.
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MORE: Baltimore Ravens to sign rival pass rusher after backing out of Maxx Crosby trade
This decision prompted a chaotic situation for the Raiders, who assumed that nothing would change regarding the Crosby trade. Now, however, they have to make quick and smart decisions.
NFL insider Albert Breer detailed the team’s approach ahead of the 2026 free agency.
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“The Raiders will honor all the agreements they made with free agents—both their own and the incoming guys—over the last 48 hours, despite the stunning developments of last night. All options remain in play with Maxx Crosby. Vegas is certainly very open to keeping him,” Breer said.
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
He added that the Raiders will study all of their options to materialize the moves they previously agreed to, while noting that keeping Crosby on the roster wouldn’t be an issue.
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“All this is difficult for everyone. The Raiders will work through different scenarios—some teams called last night, but Vegas isn’t going to trade Crosby on a discount. And keeping him with a revamped crew around him isn’t the worst idea in the world,” he added.
All this is difficult for everyone. The Raiders will work through different scenarios—some teams called last night, but Vegas isn't going to trade Crosby on a discount. And keeping him with a revamped crew around him isn't the worst idea in the world. https://t.co/NIO5dsoDX9
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 11, 2026
MORE: Maxx Crosby breaks silence after failed Ravens trade
Maxx Crosby’s agent sets record straight on DE’s health
After the trade to the Ravens collapsed, and with reports suggesting it had something to do with Crosby’s health, his agent took to X to send a strong message.
“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 tweeted.
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
This situation is rarer than a player-for-player trade. It will not be the last we hear about it, but now the Raiders have more work to do to put together a competitive squad.
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