Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Details 'Suspicious' Failed Trade to Ravens

Crosby says the 'energy was off' during his meeting with Ravens brass before the deal fell through.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:20am

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NFL star Maxx Crosby has opened up about the failed trade that would have sent him from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this month. Crosby described the experience as a 'unique, crazy, wild, up-and-down rollercoaster', saying the 'energy was off' during his initial meeting with Ravens head coach Jesse Minter. The deal ultimately collapsed after the Ravens raised concerns about Crosby's knee, leading them to back out of the trade and sign free agent Trey Hendrickson instead.

Why it matters

Crosby's account of the failed trade raises questions about the Ravens' motivations and whether medical concerns were truly the reason the deal fell through. The timing of the Ravens signing Hendrickson shortly after backing out of the Crosby trade has fueled speculation that the team may have had other reasons for not completing the deal.

The details

According to Crosby, he was 'fired-up' and 'excited' about the prospect of joining the Ravens, but he sensed the 'energy was off' from the start. He described a particularly icy exchange with Ravens head coach Jesse Minter that served as his first red flag. Crosby then recalled being sat down and told that one of the team's doctors had 'concerns' about the results of his medical exam, particularly regarding his knee. The Ravens then said they would need to get 'more and more opinions' before deciding whether to proceed with the trade.

  • On March 15, 2026, the Ravens agreed to terms with free agent Trey Hendrickson on a massive contract.
  • Within 12 hours of backing out of the Crosby trade, the Ravens had signed Hendrickson.

The players

Maxx Crosby

An All-Pro defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Jesse Minter

The head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

Trey Hendrickson

A free agent defensive end who signed a contract with the Baltimore Ravens shortly after the Crosby trade fell through.

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What they’re saying

“That situation was probably one of the most unique, crazy, wild, up-and-down rollercoasters I've ever been a part of.”

— Maxx Crosby, Raiders Star

“I dapped [Minter] up and he had a blank face. I'm not thinking anything of it, maybe he's just different. I don't know him.”

— Maxx Crosby, Raiders Star

“I go into the room, they sit me down on the couch and go, 'I don't know how to say this. One of our doctors has concerns with the results, with your knee. Some of them are concerned about the future. We really want you. We're just gonna have to get more and more opinions.'”

— Maxx Crosby, Raiders Star

What’s next

The Ravens have not commented publicly on the failed trade, and it remains to be seen whether they will address Crosby's account of the situation.

The takeaway

Crosby's description of the failed trade raises questions about the Ravens' true motivations and whether medical concerns were the only factor in their decision to back out of the deal. The timing of their signing of Trey Hendrickson has fueled speculation that the team may have had other reasons for not completing the trade with the Raiders.