The Baltimore Ravens faced a wild week in roster moves. General Manager Eric DeCosta wanted to build a massive defense. This plan started after a big loss.
Center Tyler Linderbaum left Baltimore for the Las Vegas Raiders. He signed a record contract worth $81M. This move left a huge hole in the Ravens offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
DeCosta reacted by trying to build an elite pass rush. Heplanned to pair Trey Hendrickson with Maxx Crosby. This duo would have been the best in the league.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said that, after losing their starting center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders, they were interested in pairing together Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby. But Crosby’s medical exam put an end to that discussion.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
The Ravens almost finished a trade for Crosby. They offered 2 first round picks to the Raiders. Fans were excited to see the 2 stars play together in Baltimore.
The deal fell apart during the medical exam. Ravens doctors checked Crosby’s left knee. They did not like what they saw after his recent surgery.
DeCosta had to cancel the trade. He spoke about the difficult choice on March 11. He said it was a hard day for the front office.
“Nobody is more upset by this than me. I’m gutted by it,” Eric DeCostatold reporters about the failed deal. “That was a big regret for me.” He felt the risk was too high for the team.
The Ravensmoved quickly to their next plan. They signed Hendrickson to a huge deal. The contract is worth $112M over 4 years.
Hendrickson brings 17.5 sacks from last season to the team. He will lead the defense alone. The dream of pairing him with Crosby is officially over.
The team now looks for a new center. Replacing Linderbaum is the next priority. Eric DeCosta must find more talent to help the roster win a title.
Ravens fans are divided on the news. Some wanted Crosby at any cost. Others trust the medical staff. The team begins practice with a new look defense soon.
Eric DeCosta pairing Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby would be nightmare for opponents
A duo of Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson would likely create the most feared pass rush in the league. This pair could have saved a Baltimore defense that struggled throughout 2025. Team sacks dropped to only 30 last season. That was a major fall from 54 sacks in 2024.
Opposing teams would find it impossible to double team both stars at once. Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024. Crosbyrecorded 10 sacks in 15 games during the 2025 season. Together, they would force quarterbacks to make faster throws.
This constant pressure would protect a secondary that ranked 24th in total defense last year. Hendrickson brings elite efficiency, while Crosby is a versatile force against the run. Their combined skills would solve the Ravens’ biggest woes. This dream pairing ended on March 11, 2026 when the Crosby trade failed a physical.