The Baltimore Ravens abruptly withdrew from a proposed trade for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby on Tuesday night due to concerns about his left knee recovery from January surgery for a meniscus tear. The deal, which would have sent two first-round picks to the Raiders, fell through at the eleventh hour, leaving Crosby with the Raiders amid their ongoing spending spree. The Ravens quickly pivoted, agreeing to a four-year, $112 million contract with former Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on Wednesday morning.
NFL free agency began with high anticipation as teams finalized deals following the two-day negotiating window that opened on Monday. The Ravens' decision to back out of the Crosby trade highlights the risks involved in late-stage transactions, particularly regarding player health. Crosby, an All-Pro pass rusher, had expressed interest in a move, but the failed physical examination on his knee led to the reversal. The two first-round picks—a 2026 selection (14th overall) and a 2027 pick—returned to Baltimore, preserving their draft capital.
This is not the first time the Ravens have walked away from a deal over medical issues. In 2018, they declined a contract with wide receiver Ryan Grant due to an ankle injury, and in 2022, the Bears similarly nixed a deal for defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. Following the Crosby fallout, the Ravens targeted Hendrickson, signing him to a deal worth up to $120 million with $60 million fully guaranteed. Hendrickson, who recorded 17.5 sacks in 2024 with the Bengals, provides immediate impact on the defensive line.
Crosby, meanwhile, publicly recommitted to the Raiders, who committed over $281.5 million in contracts on the first day of negotiations, including a three-year, $81 million extension for center Tyler Linderbaum. The Raiders' aggressive approach may have influenced Crosby's decision to stay, though questions linger about his trade value. As free agency continues, teams like the Raiders and Ravens demonstrate the fluid nature of roster building, balancing ambition with caution on player evaluations.
