Ravens Sign Star Pass Rusher After Failed Crosby Trade, Jones Stays with Colts

Baltimore quickly pivoted to sign defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a massive four-year deal after a trade for Maxx Crosby fell through due to a failed physical. Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones secured a lucrative new contract to remain with Indianapolis.

Baltimore successfully secured their coveted pass rusher by signing Trey Hendrickson to a massive four-year, $112 million deal, while Maxx Crosby remains with Las Vegas and Daniel Jones has locked in a new contract with Indianapolis during a hectic opening to the NFL’s new league year.

Wednesday’s most significant transaction occurred when Baltimore finalized their agreement with the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end just one day after withdrawing from a potential trade with the Raiders for Crosby due to medical concerns, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press.

The Cincinnati standout earned All-Pro honors in 2024 after topping the league with 17 1/2 sacks. Though injuries limited him to just seven contests this past season where he recorded four sacks, Hendrickson has achieved double-digit sack totals four times over his last five campaigns.

Baltimore’s swift change of direction came after Tuesday evening’s unexpected turn of events when the organization withdrew from a trade arrangement that would have sent two first-round selections to Las Vegas.

An individual with inside knowledge of Baltimore’s choice confirmed to the AP that Crosby did not pass his medical examination. The source requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of medical information.

The Raiders defender underwent surgical repair of a torn meniscus in his left knee during January. The injury forced him to miss his team’s final two regular season contests, despite his desire to continue playing through the ailment.

Las Vegas, which has been among the most active spenders during the early free agency period, now faces uncertainty regarding Crosby’s future. The organization maintains sufficient salary cap flexibility to retain the five-time Pro Bowl selection at his $30 million salary if alternative trade options don’t materialize. Sources confirmed Crosby returned to the team’s Nevada headquarters on Wednesday.

Jones and Indianapolis reached agreement on a two-year deal potentially worth $100 million, a knowledgeable source told the AP. The individual requested anonymity as the contract had not received official announcement.

The quarterback will earn $88 million across the next two seasons with $50 million in guaranteed money, avoiding the $37.8 million transition tag. Performance bonuses could add another $12 million to the total value.

Jones guided Indianapolis to an impressive 10-game stretch before the bye week. Following the break, he continued playing despite a hairline fracture in his left leg before sustaining a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.

The signal-caller established personal bests in passer rating (100.2) and completion percentage (68%) while Indianapolis ranked fifth league-wide in scoring at 28.9 points per contest before his injury.

All sources provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity agreements since organizations have not formally announced these transactions or developments.

Washington finalized terms with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson on a one-year, $12 million contract featuring $10.3 million guaranteed, his representation at Athletes First confirmed. Following their last-place defensive ranking, the Commanders also secured agreements with linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Amik Robertson after missing out on Hendrickson to Baltimore.

Additionally, Baltimore and Buffalo both modified their star quarterbacks’ contracts to generate additional salary cap flexibility for the new league year.

While Baltimore had hoped to complete a contract extension with Lamar Jackson before Wednesday’s league year commencement, that goal remains unmet. Instead, the Ravens restructured Jackson’s existing deal to create cap room, according to a source with knowledge of the arrangement who spoke anonymously due to the contract’s pending finalization.

Jackson has two remaining years on the five-year, $260 million agreement Baltimore awarded him in 2023.

Buffalo’s adjustment with Josh Allen creates approximately $12 million in crucial salary cap relief as the team enters the NFL’s new year, according to someone familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the AP.