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The Baltimore Ravens are once again facing criticism over their failed trade for Maxx Crosby.
Months after the blockbuster deal collapsed, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell labeled the situation the Ravens’ worst offseason move, reigniting questions about how the organization handled the high-profile negotiations with the Las Vegas Raiders.
In a recent offseason breakdown, Barnwell specifically pointed to the timing surrounding Crosby’s physical and the eventual cancellation of the trade agreement.
“Worst: Not scheduling Maxx Crosby’s physical any earlier,” Barnwell wrote.
The NFL analyst noted that Baltimore may have ultimately landed in a better financial position after pivoting to Trey Hendrickson instead of completing the massive trade package for Crosby.
Still, Barnwell questioned whether the prolonged process negatively impacted the Ravens elsewhere during free agency.
“A lot of talent walked out the door in Baltimore before Crosby’s physical was annulled,” Barnwell wrote, referencing players including Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar.
“Could the Ravens have kept some of those players had they resolved the Crosby situation before the legal negotiating period began?”
Breaking: The Raiders are trading five-time Pro-Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, per @AdamSchefter.
The trade cannot be processed until next week, but it is in place. And Crosby is expected to be a Raven with two firsts
The trade originally appeared close to completion in March after the Raiders agreed to send Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks.
However, everything changed after Crosby traveled to Baltimore for a physical examination related to his recovery from offseason meniscus surgery.
According to ESPN, the Ravens backed out of the agreement over medical concerns following the evaluation.
Sources close to Crosby and within the Raiders organization later questioned whether the injury concerns were truly the only reason the deal collapsed.
“They had access to imaging and the doctors’ reports on it,” a source with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.
Crosby also addressed the confusing situation during an episode of his podcast, “The Rush.”
“No one will ever admit what the real truth is,” Crosby said.
The failed trade reportedly left Crosby stunned after believing he was about to join a Super Bowl contender.
Instead, he returned to Las Vegas just days after arriving in Baltimore.
Maxx Crosby chatted about his trade that fell thru with the Baltimore Ravens..
What an interesting situation #PMSLive
Before the trade discussions surfaced publicly, Crosby’s relationship with the Raiders organization had reportedly deteriorated following another losing season in 2025.
The star edge rusher was shut down late in the year as Las Vegas positioned itself for a high draft pick, and reports later indicated Crosby quietly requested a trade behind the scenes.
Crosby had grown frustrated after years of instability with the franchise.
During his career with the Raiders, Crosby has played under four head coaches, four general managers and nine starting quarterbacks.
“It’s one thing to be a face of a franchise, but I want to be a winner,” Crosby said after signing a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Raiders last March.
“The labels and all that stuff is cool, but when we’re not winning, it’s like, what are you the face of?” he continued. “I want to be the face of winning, and that’s truly all that matters to me.”
Despite the frustration, Crosby eventually recommitted to Las Vegas after the Ravens deal collapsed.
“He’s still the first one in the building everyday. He’s the leader of the team. I wouldn’t be surprised if Maxx is ahead of schedule. He’s one of the guys you gotta say “whoa” to.”
Raiders HC Klint Kubiak describes his impression of Maxx Crosby early on in OTAs.
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After backing out of the Crosby trade, Baltimore shifted its focus and eventually signed former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Barnwell suggested the Ravens may have ultimately benefited financially by avoiding Crosby’s contract and preserving future draft picks.
Still, the failed deal remains one of the most discussed moments of the NFL offseason.
Meanwhile, Crosby’s absence from the Raiders’ OTAs recently sparked additional speculation about his future with the team.
However, NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that Crosby remains focused on his recovery and is motivated heading into the 2026 season.
“Crosby has told friends around the league he is as fired up as ever to have a monster season in the public fallout of the Ravens bailing on an agreed-upon trade,” La Canfora reported.
Perry Miller Carpenter Perry Carpenter is a writer and editor with 20 years of experience covering entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. She is also a standout contributor at Heavy.com’s sister site Entertainment Now. More about Perry Miller Carpenter
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