Ravens Nix Maxx Crosby Trade After Failed Physical

This is not the first time the Ravens have been involved in controversial contract dealings.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of a trade to acquire star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, citing concerns over Crosby's long-term health after he failed his physical. This is not the first time the Ravens have been involved in controversial contract situations, with past incidents involving Brock Marion in 1997 and Ryan Grant in 2018.

Why it matters

The Ravens' decision to cancel the Crosby trade has drawn significant criticism, as the team was set to give up two first-round picks to acquire the talented defensive end. This move follows a pattern of questionable contract dealings by the Ravens organization over the years, raising concerns about their negotiation tactics and player evaluation processes.

The details

The Ravens agreed to send two first-round picks, including the 14th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, to the Raiders in exchange for Crosby. However, just four days after the trade was announced, the Ravens backed out, citing concerns over Crosby's long-term health after he failed his physical. Crosby had undergone knee surgery in January 2026 to repair a meniscus tear, and the Ravens were apparently not satisfied with his recovery progress.

  • On March 6, 2026, the Ravens traded two first-round picks to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby.
  • On March 11, 2026, the Ravens announced they were backing out of the Crosby trade after he failed his physical.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star pass-rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but the deal was cancelled after he failed his physical due to a knee injury.

Brock Marion

A safety who agreed to a contract with the Ravens in 1997, but the deal was voided after he failed his physical due to a shoulder injury.

Ryan Grant

A wide receiver who agreed to a contract with the Ravens in 2018, but the deal was voided after he failed his physical due to an ankle injury.

Trey Hendrickson

A pass-rusher who the Ravens signed to a four-year deal shortly after backing out of the Crosby trade, leading to speculation they found an alternative way to address their need for a top pass-rusher.

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What they’re saying

“We must make decisions that are in the best long-term interests of our organization and our fans. While we are disappointed that this trade could not be completed, we remain excited about the players we have on our roster and the 2026 NFL Draft.”

— Eric DeCosta, Ravens General Manager (Ravens Press Release)

“The Ravens' decision to back out of the Crosby trade is just the latest in a concerning pattern of questionable contract dealings by the organization. This raises serious doubts about their player evaluation and negotiation tactics.”

— Analyst (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Ravens will now have to determine how to address their pass-rush needs in the upcoming draft, with their two first-round picks still intact.

The takeaway

The Ravens' decision to cancel the Maxx Crosby trade, along with their history of controversial contract situations, highlights the importance of thorough player evaluation and transparent negotiation practices in the NFL. This incident will likely lead to increased scrutiny of the Ravens' front office decision-making going forward.