Raiders GM Optimistic After Nixed Maxx Crosby Trade

John Spytek welcomes Crosby back, says 'things have a way of working out'.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:50am

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In his first public comments since the failed trade of Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed optimism about the team's offseason and welcomed Crosby back 'like he never left.' Spytek said his relationship with the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end has been 'great' and that 'things have a way of going a certain way and working out the way that they're supposed to.'

Why it matters

The failed Crosby trade was a high-profile offseason saga for the Raiders, raising questions about the team's plans and Crosby's future. Spytek's positive tone and commitment to Crosby suggest the Raiders are ready to move forward and build on an active free agency period.

The details

The Raiders traded Crosby to the Ravens on March 6 for two first-round picks, but the deal was nixed four days later when Crosby failed his physical in Baltimore due to a torn meniscus. Despite the drama, Spytek took a diplomatic approach, saying he didn't go deep into the behind-the-scenes details and didn't criticize the Ravens. Crosby himself said he was 'terrified' when first told of the failed physical but later realized 'I wasn't supposed to be in Baltimore.'

  • The Raiders traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens on March 6, 2026.
  • The Ravens scuttled the deal due to Crosby's failed physical on March 10, 2026.
  • Spytek made his first public comments on the failed trade on March 27, 2026.

The players

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Maxx Crosby

A five-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens who reneged on the trade for Maxx Crosby.

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What they’re saying

“We welcome him like he never left, because he really never did. It's exciting to see him work hard and attack the rehab like we know, and I know he's going to be back, ready to rock in August and have a bunch of good years ahead of him still.”

— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders

“The first thought in my head, I was terrified. It just kind of hit me, like, what the f—? Is there something wrong? I'm freaking out. Low key and deep down, I'm like, I can't get another surgery.”

— Maxx Crosby

“I wasn't supposed to be in Baltimore, and that's it. I'm meant to be a Raider. It's through my damn core.”

— Maxx Crosby

What’s next

The Raiders will continue to work with Maxx Crosby on his recovery from the torn meniscus, with the goal of having him ready to play in August.

The takeaway

Despite the drama surrounding the failed Maxx Crosby trade, the Raiders appear committed to keeping the star defensive end and building around him as they look to bounce back in the 2026 season.