It was all a dream. Or maybe it was all a nightmare.
The Las Vegas Raiders shocked the NFL world on March 10, when they announced that the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade for defensive end Maxx Crosby. NFL Network reported that the Ravens backed out of the agreement because of medical reasons. The trade that would’ve sent two first-round picks to Sin City in exchange for one of the league’s best pass-rushers.
The NFL’s new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, which is the earliest the deal could have become official. In some alternate universe, Crosby was on the Ravens and the star defender was certainly leaning into it. He posted a lengthy farewell video to the Raiders and picture of himself in a Ravens’ jersey on social media. In reality, he was always with the Raiders.
In other words, the trade that never happened is now the trade that will never happen.
There are some key questions that need to be answered in the wake of the trade. We did our best to answer some of the more popular ones as the story develops:
Will the Raiders still trade Maxx Crosby?
The Raiders have not indicated whether they will look to trade Crosby again.
After the trade fell through, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders were receiving calls from “several” teams inquiring about Crosby’s availability in a potential trade but are focused on getting the defender healthy and ready to play for the team next season. Schefter added that the Raiders will listen to other teams though.
It’s a tricky situation, especially given that the Ravens reportedly had an issue with the star’s physical. From a pure supply-and-demand standpoint, there is one less suitor in the market and a red flag attached to the situation. The Raiders were set to acquire two first-round picks, including one in the 2027 NFL Draft that teams covet.
Whether another team would be willing to pay that price remains to be seen, meaning Vegas might be better off holding onto the player for the time being.
Crosby could rebuild his trade value by the midseason deadline, but there’s also a real chance that his value will never be as high as it was.
Will Maxx Crosby’s medical concerns prevent another trade?
While the Ravens backed out of the trade for a medical concern, there is no reason to believe another team wouldn’t view the same evaluation differently.
In many ways, physicals can be a matter of opinion and an exercise in risk tolerance. The Ravens might’ve seen something that didn’t sit right with them, but that might not necessarily be the case for a different team.
Baltimore was set to invest two first-round picks and plenty of money in Crosby. It’s only logical that they would want to be comfortable with the medicals.
Crosby is a high-profile player, but this isn’t something new for the Ravens.
In 2020, an independent doctor expressed concerns with Michael Brockers’ ankle after he agreed to a three-year deal with the Ravens. The then-30-year-old never played for Baltimore. He ended up returning to the Rams and played three more seasons, including two with the Lions.
In 2018, the Ravens nixed a free agent agreement with Ryan Grant after the receiver failed a physical with an ankle injury. He ended up signing with the Colts for the 2018 season. Grant appeared in just two games with the Raiders in 2019 and hasn’t played in the NFL since.
Can the Raiders sign other players they’ve agreed to terms with if they don’t trade Crosby?
The Raiders plan to honor all the deals that they agreed to in free agency, according to multiple reports. Vegas went on quite the spending spree, but that was to be expected after they entered free agency with the most cap space in the league.
That is the reason why they still have enough money to make all those agreements official, even with Crosby’s contract coming back on the books. And they could always restructure Crosby’s deal to clear up additional space.
Here’s a look at the agreements they made:
C Tyler Linderbaum: Three-years, $81 million
EDGE Kwity Paye: Three-years, $48 million
LB Quay Walker: Three-years, $40.5 million
LB Nakobe Dean: Three-years, $36 million
WR Jalen Nailor: Three-years, $35 million
CB Eric Stokes: Three-years, $30 million
EDGE Malcolm Koonce: One-year, $11 million
K Matt Gay
Will the Ravens be penalized for backing out of the trade?
There will be no league punishment for the Ravens. Whether there is some indirect punishment from other teams can’t be ruled out, however.
The trade couldn’t be official until 4 p.m. ET on March 11, meaning it never happened in the first place. While both sides agreed to the deal, it’s a lot like making plans with a friend. There’s always a chance it never happens, until it does.
Of course, there’s a chance that teams around the league could have strong feelings. It remains to be seen if that trust is broken, even if rumors are swirling that it is.
At the end of the day, teams will make moves to benefit themselves. If that includes doing a deal with the Ravens, they aren’t going reject it just to make a point.
Was the Ravens pivot to Trey Hendrickson a better plan?
The Ravens quickly responded by agreeing to terms with defensive end Trey Hendrickson on March 11, according to reports. They might look back and think they paid a premium for the 31-year-old during a time of desperation, but that is also the nature of free agency.
Crosby is certainly more talented, but there’s a good chance that Hendrickson and two first-round picks is better than the alternative. Baltimore can now look to add in the draft after solving the pass-rushing concern in free agency.
Hendrickson is older than Crosby, but both players come with injury concerns. One of them only cost money though and the Ravens should be pleased with the end result.
