Ravens Back Out of Blockbuster Maxx Crosby Trade After Failed Physical

A stunning reversal leaves the Raiders scrambling and Maxx Crosby's future uncertain

In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the league, the Baltimore Ravens have backed out of a trade agreement that would have brought All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore. The deal, agreed upon last Friday, collapsed Tuesday evening after medical concerns arose during Crosby's physical—just hours before the new league year was set to begin, per the Raiders' official statement and league sources.

The Deal That Fell Apart

The trade would have sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for first-round picks in 2026 (Baltimore's No. 14 overall selection) and 2027. Per the Raiders' official statement: "The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby."

The deal, which could not become official until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, hinged on the physical. It never crossed the finish line.

Medical Concerns Sink the Trade

Crosby underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He had known about the injury since the fall of 2025 but continued playing until the Raiders shut him down for the final two games of the season—a decision that reportedly left the star pass rusher frustrated.

League sources, including The Athletic and ESPN, confirm Crosby failed his physical, likely tied to lingering concerns from his January meniscus repair. The Ravens have a well-documented track record of prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains, and their rigorous medical standards have derailed deals in the past.

An Emotional Farewell, Now in Limbo

Over the weekend, Crosby posted a heartfelt video on social media, thanking Raiders fans and expressing his excitement for a fresh start in Baltimore.

"I know there's no guarantees in this," Crosby said. "But I'm going to give everything in my heart and soul to bring a championship to Baltimore. There are no more words needed for that. I'm so excited. I cannot wait to get out to the city and meet everybody."

He posted on Instagram Tuesday morning that he was already in Baltimore—making the news just hours later all the more jarring. Those premature farewells now leave his future wide open.

Raiders Stay Aggressive in Free Agency

Even with the trade fallout, the Raiders stayed aggressive in early free agency, making several significant additions:

• Tyler Linderbaum (C) – 3 years, $81 million ($60M guaranteed) — making him the highest-paid interior lineman in the league

• Quay Walker (LB) – 3 years, $40.5 million

• Nakobe Dean (LB) – 3 years, $36 million

• Kwity Paye (Edge) – 3 years, $48 million

• Jalen Nailor (WR) – 3 years, $35 million

Las Vegas also re-signed cornerback Eric Stokes (3 years, $30 million) and edge rusher Malcolm Koonce (1 year, $11 million). Now without those expected picks from the Crosby deal, the Raiders face tougher cap and roster decisions moving forward—though they've already committed over $111 million in their aggressive rebuild.

What This Means for Baltimore

The Ravens desperately needed to address their pass rush after recording just 30 sacks last season—tied for the second-fewest in franchise history. Now, they must pivot. Whether that means pursuing another veteran edge rusher like Trey Hendrickson or targeting the position in April's draft remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Crosby returns to Las Vegas in limbo, while Baltimore searches for answers on their defensive front.

Stay tuned as this story develops—could a revised deal emerge, or will Crosby land with another suitor like the Cowboys or Jaguars?