One of the most anticipated trades in recent NFL history has fallen through, and the repercussions are being felt by Cowboys fans.
On Tuesday night, the Las Vegas Raiders made headlines by announcing that the Baltimore Ravens had withdrawn from a deal that would have sent star defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks. Although the agreement had been reached last Friday, it could not be finalized until Wednesday, when the new league year officially begins.
pic.twitter.com/zXrNfDhDZV
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 11, 2026
The reason for this withdrawal: Crosby failed his physical.
By Wednesday morning, rumors were swirling, mainly around a report spotlighted by The Sporting News citing that Crosby had undergone a full meniscus repair, rather than just a “trim,” a distinction that carries much bigger recovery implications – and apparently some worries for the Ravens.
Crosby’s camp has pushed back against the headlines.
C.J. LaBoy, Crosby’s agent, posted a response on X Tuesday night, writing, “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.”
Crosby has reportedly since left Baltimore and is heading back to the Raiders facility to resume his rehab program.
“This will be my 22nd season covering the NFL, and I legitimately can’t think of a precedent for what went down on Tuesday night. We’ve seen failed physicals…But the sort of confluence of a star player, two teams, a massive trade package and then two days of free agent action/inaction by teams involved preceding a development like this? Never before. And maybe never again,” said Albert Breed for Sports Illustrated.
Where Dallas Stands
Cowboys fans had reason to pay close attention long before Tuesday night’s breaking news. Dallas had essentially been the runner-up in the Crosby sweepstakes, offering a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to Las Vegas before finishing behind Baltimore, as previously reported by DX.
Don’t expect Jerry Jones to come back to the table with the same hand, as sources have told ESPN’s crew that Dallas is not expected to pursue a Crosby trade a second time.
However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has since reported a contradiction to that statement, claiming that the Cowboys would indeed still be interested in a Crosby deal – meaning the door isn’t entirely shut, and Dallas may not be fully out of the picture.
What’s Next for Crosby
The Raiders have reportedly already received calls from “several” teams inquiring about Crosby’s availability following the trade reversal, but their leverage has shifted. Teams that felt they had missed out on Crosby last week may have already spent money and cap space elsewhere, meaning fewer franchises are in position to make a run at him now.
The failed physical may also have a significant impact on the return the Raiders can request. Medical concerns about the knee – potentially including arthritis or incomplete healing – could make teams hesitant to surrender multiple first-round picks.
Meanwhile, Baltimore wasted little time pivoting away from the Crosby plan.
The Ravens have agreed to sign former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, per YahooSports – filling their edge rusher need without surrendering a single draft pick.
Crosby, 28, recorded 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss last season before the knee injury ended his year early. He remains under contract with Las Vegas and, for now, is headed back to Sin City.