Ravens Cancel Crosby Trade Over Medical Concerns, Raiders Face Difficult Choice

The Baltimore Ravens pulled out of a major trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby after he failed his physical exam. The failed deal leaves the Raiders in a challenging position regarding their superstar player's future with the organization.

Tuesday night delivered a harsh reminder that nothing in the NFL is final until paperwork is officially signed.

The Las Vegas Raiders experienced this reality firsthand when the Baltimore Ravens withdrew from a major trade agreement involving star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

According to a source familiar with Baltimore’s choice who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press due to the confidential nature of medical information, Crosby did not pass his physical examination.

The defensive star had undergone surgical procedures in January to address a meniscus tear in his left knee. The injury forced him to sit out the season’s final two contests, despite his desire to continue playing at that time.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Crosby’s surgery, shared with ESPN that the player is “doing very well in the early part of his rehab and recovery from surgery to treat a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. He is certainly on track in his planned program.”

Baltimore clearly felt uncomfortable proceeding with Crosby’s medical situation, particularly given that two first-round draft selections were part of the proposed exchange.

The Ravens swiftly changed course, reaching terms with four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson on a four-year, $112 million agreement, according to an anonymous source who informed the AP. This individual requested anonymity since contracts cannot be officially completed until the league year starts at 4 p.m. EDT.

Since Monday’s legal tampering period began, NFL franchises have pledged billions in spending on free agents and trade acquisitions.

Yet all these arrangements remain unofficial until the new league year commences, meaning trades can fall through and free agents may reverse their commitments. Such developments are simply part of the business.

A notable example occurred in 2015 when running back Frank Gore initially accepted Philadelphia Eagles’ terms before ultimately signing with the Indianapolis Colts two days afterward.

Gore, a seasoned veteran seeking championship opportunities, reconsidered after Philadelphia traded quarterback Nick Foles and allowed star receiver Jeremy Maclin to join Kansas City following his initial agreement.

Baltimore has previously canceled similar arrangements, backing away from deals with defensive tackle Michael Brockers in 2020 and receiver Ryan Grant in 2018 due to comparable concerns.

The Ravens now retain their 14th overall draft selection for next month’s draft while hoping Hendrickson can return to his pre-injury performance levels from last season.

Las Vegas must now determine their approach with Crosby following apparent tensions between the player and organization. Part-owner Tom Brady might potentially help repair the relationship between Crosby and team management. New head coach Klint Kubiak wasn’t present during last season’s difficulties, and general manager John Spytek has consistently expressed his preference to retain the elite pass rusher.

The Raiders have been active in free agency, allocating over $250 million to acquire three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, receiver Jalen Nailor, and additional players.

With approximately $112 million in salary cap room entering free agency according to overthecap.com, Las Vegas has the financial flexibility to accommodate Crosby’s contract. He signed a three-year extension last year valued at $106.5 million with $91.5 million guaranteed, temporarily making him the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback.

Should the Raiders still pursue trading Crosby, securing equivalent value will prove challenging given his medical concerns. They may need to wait for further recovery progress or accept conditional trade terms. Potential arrangements could involve a second-round pick converting to a first-round selection if Crosby plays a specified number of snaps, with a third-round pick becoming a second-round choice. Teams often employ creative structuring in such situations.

Other franchises like the Eagles, Bears, Bills, Jaguars, or additional teams might show interest in Crosby. The outcome depends on Las Vegas’ willingness to compromise on return value. The rebuilding Raiders have added several new players and are anticipated to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall draft pick.

Would they benefit from keeping Crosby through 2026? Absolutely. Would they be better served without him? That depends entirely on what they receive in return.