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“I Shook His Hand And I Knew” Maxx Crosby Releases Video Revealing What Really Happened With…

The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to back out of a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby has taken another twist, with Crosby himself opening up about the awkward, “off” vibe during his visit to Baltimore just before the deal fell apart.

In the latest episode of his podcast The Rush, the five-time Pro Bowler gave a candid, behind-the-scenes account of what went down when he traveled to meet with the Ravens’ staff, including head coach Jesse Minter, GM Eric DeCosta, and team doctors. Crosby described arriving excited and “fired up” about the potential new opportunity, only to sense something was wrong almost immediately.

Maxx Crosby speaking on his podcast about his near trade to the Baltimore Ravens - Via @TheRushWithMaxx

Maxx Crosby speaking on his podcast about his near trade to the Baltimore Ravens – Via @TheRushWithMaxx

Maxx Crosby Spills The Beans On What Really Happened During His Strange Visit With Ravens Before Nixed Trade [VIDEO]

Via Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated, Crosby recalled:

“I’m so excited, fired-up, this is a new opportunity. You could just tell the energy was off. I dapped (head coach Jesse Minter) up and he had a blank face. I’m not thinking anything of it, maybe he’s just different. I don’t know him.

I go into the room, they sit me down on the couch and go, ‘I don’t know how to say this. One of our doctors have concerns with the results, with your knee. Some of them are concerned about the future. We really want you. We’re just gonna have to get more and more opinions…’”

Crosby went on to address the swirling conspiracy theories and speculation that followed the collapse:

“Everyone’s got to their own conspiracy theory. No one will ever admit what the real truth is. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. I am where I’m supposed to be. I know that.”

Here is the video:

Maxx Crosby says on @TheRushWithMaxx that he didn’t see #Ravens GM Eric DeCosta or HC Jesse Minter during the first 5 hours of his visit, and when he finally met with DeCosta, the energy felt off. DeCosta then informed him they had concerns about his medicals.

“I was thinking in… pic.twitter.com/TLvxOQH9w2

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 17, 2026

The trade framework — which would have sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks — was agreed upon two weeks ago but was rescinded after Crosby reportedly failed his physical due to lingering concerns over his knee (post-meniscus surgery from late 2025). Ravens GM Eric DeCosta later called the cancellation a “big regret” and admitted he was “gutted” by the outcome.

What’s Next for Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders?

Multiple reports, including from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, indicate the Raiders now plan to hold onto Crosby for the 2026 season rather than revisit trade talks immediately. Staying healthy and returning to elite form (10 sacks in 2025 despite injury) would give Las Vegas leverage to potentially move him at the 2026 trade deadline or in the following offseason when teams are typically more aggressive.

For now, Crosby remains committed to the Raiders, where he’s viewed as a foundational piece despite the team’s struggles in recent years.

The episode has only added fuel to the narrative around the failed deal, with fans and analysts continuing to debate whether the Ravens used the physical as an excuse to pivot to free agent Trey Hendrickson (whom they signed days later).

For more Maxx Crosby updates, Las Vegas Raiders news, Baltimore Ravens trade fallout, and NFL offseason drama, stay tuned.

What do you make of Crosby’s comments — do you believe the physical was the real reason, or was there something else going on? Share your thoughts in the comments!