Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is still astounded at how his nixed trade to the Baltimore Ravens unfolded.
The Ravens, of course, backed out of a deal that would’ve sent 2026 and 2027 first-rounders to the Raiders after he failed his physical due to a meniscus issue. Crosby detailed the whirlwind of a process on his podcast on Tuesday.
Maxx Crosby expands on canceled Ravens trade
Crosby first answered questions about his injury history with the Ravens medical staff and then underwent X-rays and an MRI. He found it odd that they took much longer than he expected.
After his exam, Crosby figured he would immediately meet with Ravens head coach Jesse Minter and general manager Eric DeCosta. He waited five hours before the GM told him the team wanted to get “more opinions” on his knee. That left the pass-rusher alarmed.
“I was terrified, because I’m thinking in my head, like, what the f–k?” Crosby said. “Is there something wrong? Like, I’m freaking out. Like low key and deep down, I’m like I can’t get another surgery. … What is going on, bro?”
Crosby underwent surgery on his left knee in January. His surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, has since said there were no complications, and the DE is “ahead of schedule” in the recovery process. Baltimore clearly didn’t agree with that assessment.
Crosby drove back to his hotel in Baltimore, where his agent told him he was certain the Ravens would back out of the trade. He proved correct.
After a member of the Ravens front office told Crosby they were going to try to make a trade work, he called again five minutes later to inform him it had fallen through. The DE still questions the Ravens’ course of action, but ultimately, he’s happy to be a Raider.
“Everyone’s got their own theory, conspiracy theory, no one will really ever admit on either side what the real truth is or whatever,” he said. “Ultimately, it doesn’t even matter. I am where I’m supposed to be. I know that. I’ll just say that.”
Crosby added that he’s “crushing” his rehab, putting him in position for another stellar season. In 2025, the five-time Pro Bowler logged a career-high 28 tackles for loss, No. 2 in the league. He’ll try to show that figure next season to prove to the Ravens and the rest of the NFL his knee is in excellent physical condition.