Raiders' Maxx Crosby 'Livid' After Ravens Nixed Trade

Star pass rusher says he was 'confused' when Baltimore backed out of deal that would have sent two first-round picks to Las Vegas.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:04am

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Maxx Crosby, one of the NFL's elite edge rushers, said he was "livid" and "confused" after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade that would have sent two first-round draft picks to the Las Vegas Raiders. Crosby said the Ravens flew him in, gave him a physical, and then told him they had concerns about the results, despite his surgeon saying his knee was "great" and he was "ahead of schedule" in his recovery. The Ravens then agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson instead.

Why it matters

This high-profile trade falling through highlights the complex negotiations and medical evaluations that can derail major player moves in the NFL. It also raises questions about the Ravens' decision-making process and communication with Crosby, as well as the team's plans to bolster their pass rush after tying for 28th in the league in sacks last season.

The details

Crosby said the Ravens flew him to Washington, D.C. on March 9 and he went to the team's facility the next day, where he underwent a physical, x-rays, and MRIs. He said he didn't speak with Ravens GM Eric DeCosta much that day, except for a few minutes before he left. When Crosby finally met with DeCosta, he felt something was off, and that's when he was told the team had concerns about the results of his medical tests, despite his surgeon saying his knee was on track. Crosby's agents then told him they thought the Ravens were going to back out of the trade, which they did the next day.

  • On March 9, the Ravens flew Crosby to Washington, D.C.
  • On March 10, Crosby went to the Ravens' facility and underwent medical tests.
  • On March 11, the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who was the subject of a potential trade to the Baltimore Ravens.

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens who ultimately decided not to complete the trade for Crosby.

Trey Hendrickson

An edge rusher who the Ravens signed to a four-year, $112 million contract after backing out of the Crosby trade.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache

Crosby's surgeon who told him not to pay attention to the Ravens' concerns about his knee.

CJ LaBoy and Doug Hendrickson

Crosby's agents who told him they thought the Ravens were going to back out of the trade.

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What they’re saying

“I'm like frozen. I'm livid, confused, the whole nine all in one.”

— Maxx Crosby, NFL Player

“Nobody is more upset about this than me. I'm gutted by it. It's a big regret from me, but we will move on as a football team, and I think there are many opportunities for us to grow as a team, to build a roster, and become the team we want to be.”

— Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens

“Maxx don't listen to any of that ^#$%. Your knee is great, you are exactly where you are supposed to be, even ahead of schedule.”

— Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Surgeon

What’s next

The Ravens will need to address their pass rush after backing out of the Crosby trade and signing Trey Hendrickson to a lucrative deal. It remains to be seen if Crosby will seek a trade from the Raiders or if the two sides can mend the relationship.

The takeaway

This saga highlights the complex medical evaluations and communication challenges that can derail high-profile NFL trades, even when both teams initially agree to a deal. It also raises questions about the Ravens' decision-making process and their plans to improve their pass rush after a disappointing 2022 season.