Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Reveals Wild Details of Aborted Ravens Trade

Crosby details chaotic visit to Ravens' facility, medical concerns, and sudden trade collapse

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:34pm

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NFL star Maxx Crosby has opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama of a proposed trade that would have sent him from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens. Crosby describes a bizarre visit to the Ravens' facility, where he was subjected to extensive medical tests despite not seeing the team's GM, and then was suddenly informed the trade was off due to concerns about his surgically repaired knee - concerns that were quickly dismissed by his own doctor. The deal, which would have netted the Raiders two first-round picks, fell apart in a matter of minutes, leaving Crosby stunned.

Why it matters

This story provides a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of NFL trades, where millions of dollars and the futures of star players can hang in the balance. Crosby's account highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluations, the potential for miscommunication between teams and players, and the emotional toll such a situation can take on an athlete.

The details

According to Crosby, the issues began immediately upon his arrival at the Ravens' facility, where he spent five hours undergoing extensive medical tests and scans focused on his surgically repaired knee. Despite the lengthy evaluation, Crosby says he never even saw Ravens GM Eric DeCosta, who had orchestrated the proposed trade. When Crosby finally met with new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, the "energy was just weird." Crosby was then informed by DeCosta that the team's doctors had concerns about his knee and wanted additional opinions, leaving the player "terrified" that he might need another surgery. However, Crosby's own doctor, renowned surgeon Neal ElAttrache, quickly assured him that his knee was "great." Just minutes after being told everything was fine, Crosby's agent informed him that the Ravens were backing out of the trade.

  • Crosby visited the Ravens' facility on March 15, 2026.
  • The proposed trade fell apart in a matter of minutes on March 15, 2026.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who was the subject of a proposed trade to the Baltimore Ravens.

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens who orchestrated the proposed trade for Crosby.

Jesse Minter

The head coach of the Baltimore Ravens who met with Crosby during his visit to the team's facility.

Neal ElAttrache

A renowned surgeon who examined Crosby's surgically repaired knee and assured him that it was "great," contradicting the Ravens' medical concerns.

CJ LaBoy

Maxx Crosby's agent, who informed him that the Ravens were backing out of the trade.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't see him one time. I'm like, 'Where's Eric at?' He just made the trade!”

— Maxx Crosby, NFL Player (TMZ)

“I dap him up … blank face. The energy was just weird.”

— Maxx Crosby, NFL Player (TMZ)

“He told me, 'Don't listen to that s***. Your knee is great.'”

— Maxx Crosby, NFL Player (TMZ)

“He's like, 'Yo, they're backing out.' I'm like, 'Holy s***.'”

— Maxx Crosby, NFL Player (TMZ)

What’s next

Crosby says the failed trade has only reinforced his commitment to the Raiders, the team that drafted him in 2019. The Raiders will look to build around Crosby, one of the league's premier pass rushers, as they aim to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

This saga underscores the complex and high-stakes nature of NFL trades, where a player's future can hinge on the results of a single medical evaluation. Crosby's experience highlights the importance of clear communication and alignment between teams and players, as well as the need for thorough due diligence on both sides to avoid such dramatic breakdowns in deal-making.