Following a breakout 2025 season with 10 sacks, 73 combined tackles and 28 tackles for loss, Maxx Crosby was the hottest name in the NFL offseason trade market.
On Friday, the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to send the five-time Pro Bowler to the Baltimore Ravens for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, signalling a major move to build around Lamar Jackson.
Afterwards,in a nearly 13-minute farewell video, the Michigan native said he holds “zero ill will” toward the Raiders, vowed to “give everything in my heart and soul” to deliver a Super Bowl win to the Ravens. He also confirmed he truly wants to retire as a Raider.
However, the deal collapsed on Tuesday when the Ravens backed out of the trade agreement, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reporting shortly after thatCrosby had failed his medical test.
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Later, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday morning that Crosby returned from Baltimore and headed back to the Raiders facility to resume his rehab program.
And the very next morning, the Ravensagreed to sign star defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract.By choosing a free agent, they landed a top pass rusher without giving up any draft picks.
Ravens signing DE Trey Hendrickson to a 4-year, $112M deal. (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/Tjaf7Sv0Ae
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2026
The move raises significant eyebrows about the failed Crosby trade. Since 2019, Hendrickson has 79 sacks, 10 more than Crosby in that same period. However, Crosby has the longer runway at 28 years old, compared with Hendrickson, who turns 32 in December.
But the financials also favor the new deal. Hendrickson costs $28 million per year, significantly less than Crosby’s $35.5 million average. In short, Baltimore got more production for less money without sacrificing any draft capital.
Fans expose Ravens’ cheap move after bailing on Maxx Crosby trade
The NFL community wasn’t buying Baltimore’s medical excuse, and fans weren’t shy about it.
One fanwrote, “Investigate these bums.”
Anotheradded, “Dirty & Poverty organization needs to be investigated!”
A thirdstated, “This whole thing feels so fishy. Ravens knew they coulda got Hendrickson for much cheaper than Maxx.”
The fourth fanclaimed, “So the Ravens faked a failed physical on Maxx Crosby, tanked his trade value, blew up the Raiders’ free agency plans, and then immediately signed the guy they actually wanted for cheaper. That’s not a front office move, that’s a heist.”
A random X userremarked, “Ravens are b——. Rest of 31 teams shouldn’t do business with them anymore.”
The sixth onepenned, “Ravens are drama queen.”
An NFL general managertold Tom Pelissero the move was “bull—-” on Baltimore’s part. Whether the Ravens had real medical concerns or just made a cold business decision, they got a top pass rusher for much less than they originally planned to spend.