Maxx Crosby remained in Las Vegas while the Baltimore Ravens pivoted to a massive free agent deal for Trey Hendrickson after a failed physical nixed their original trade agreement.
This shift allowed both franchises to address pressing roster needs without sacrificing future draft capital or the medical stability required for sustained success.
Maxx Crosby’s failed trade leads both teams to stronger defensive outcomes
The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders finalized a massive trade earlier this month involving star defender Maxx Crosby. Baltimore agreed to send first-round picks from the 2026 and 2027 drafts to Las Vegas for the elite edge rusher.
Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby, NFL
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali and Kobe Bryant tattoos on the stomach of Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The transaction collapsed after Crosby failed his physical examination due to concerns about his previously repaired left meniscus.
The Baltimore Ravens quickly shifted their strategy to sign free agent Trey Hendrickson. As analyst Robert Griffin IIIexplained, “The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are better after the Maxx Crosby trade didn’t go through.”
The move secured a premier pass rusher while preserving two valuable first-round draft picks for Baltimore.
The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are better after the Maxx Crosby trade didn’t go through.
Ravens fix their pass rushing woes with a better pass rusher and keep their two 1st round picks.
Raiders get a pissed off Maxx Crosby.
As players,
Trey Hendrickson is Mariah… pic.twitter.com/KPDxrlzPij
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 18, 2026
Hendrickson signed a four-year contract worth $112 million that could reach $120 million with incentives. The deal includes $60 million in fully guaranteed money.
This structure gives Baltimore financial flexibility after the 2027 season. The 31-year-old defender enters 2026 with 81 career sacks after posting 17.5 in both 2023 and 2024.
Griffin III highlighted the efficiency of the new addition. “Trey Hendrickson is Mariah Carey,” he stated. “They both have an elite of elite traits. Mariah Carey’s voice and Hendrickson’s pass rush ability.”
Despite a core muscle injury limiting him to seven games and four sacks in 2025, his production remains historically elite.
The Las Vegas Raiders kept their 28-year-old cornerstone after the deal failed. Crosby recorded 10 sacks and 73 tackles during the 2025 season.
He also logged 28 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits. His 69.5 career sacks through seven seasons represent a high level of consistent performance and durability for the Raiders.
Griffin III compared the Raiders star to a different pop icon. “Maxx Crosby is Taylor Swift,” he said. “Can’t sing like Mariah Carey but is a better overall performer and showman.” He noted that Crosby is younger and more disruptive overall than Hendrickson despite having slightly less efficient pass rush metrics.
Baltimore finished 2025 with only 30 team sacks while their defense surrendered 45 sacks. These vulnerabilities required an immediate fix, which Hendrickson provided.
Las Vegas retains a leader who remains committed to the franchise after a brief period of trade uncertainty. Both organizations now enter the 2026 season with improved outlooks and fewer long-term medical risks.
The collapse of this blockbuster deal illustrates how a failed physical can serve as a fortunate reset for two competing franchises. Baltimore addressed a critical weakness without losing draft assets, and Las Vegas maintained its defensive identity.
Both teams avoided the potential fallout of a high-risk trade, proving that the best moves are sometimes the ones that never happen.