Maxx Crosby and Las Vegas Raiders in limbo after Baltimore Ravens pull out of blockbuster trade
The Baltimore Ravens' decision to pull out of a trade for Maxx Crosby leaves uncertainty for all parties
The Las Vegas Raiders were today assessing the fall-out after Maxx Crosby’s trade to the Baltimore Ravens was dramatically halted last night.
The Raiders announced the Ravens had pulled out of a deal and while there was no official reason given, sources told ESPN it was due to concerns around the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher’s physical.
Crosby had already said his farewells in Vegas and outlined his excitement in moving to Baltimore on a three-year, $94million contract with the Raiders due to receive two first-round picks in exchange.
He said on Saturday: “I know there’s no guarantees in this. But I’m going to give everything in my heart and soul to bring a championship to Baltimore. There are no more words needed for that.”
“I’m so excited. I cannot wait to get out to the city and meet everybody.”
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Crosby assessing options while recovering from knee surgery
He is now in limbo while continuing to recover from surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The player’s agent insisted the 28-year-old’s rehab was firmly on schedule in a statement on X.
CJ LaBoy wrote: “Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule, according to his surgeon Dr. Neal El Attrache.
“Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past seven seasons.”
El Attrache told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday morning that Crosby was “doing very well in the early part of his rehab and recovery from surgery to treat a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. He is certainly on track in his planned program.”
He added: ”We truly respect the work of the Ravens staff with Maxx regarding the contract physical exam. We also understand the challenge the staff faces when tasked to provide a future risk assessment based on an evaluation early in the recovery process.
”This is especially challenging when dealing with an elite player like Maxx considering the level of commitment necessary for a team to obtain him. The timing of this assessment is unfortunate because the apparent risk will lessen as his recovery progresses and his return to performance over the next few months becomes clear.”
Cancellation of deal leaves both Raiders and Ravens in a pickle
The breakdown of the deal places the Raiders in a difficult position. They committed significant cost to the signings of three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum [from the Ravens] on Monday as well as linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, edge rusher Kwity Paye, wide receiver Jalen Nailor while also negotiating new deals with cornerback Eric Stokes and edge rusher Malcolm Koonce.
They had been expecting Crosby’s departure to free up cap space and are expected to try to ship him elsewhere, although the Dallas Cowboys, who were interested previously, are not thought to be interested in revisiting a deal.
It also means Baltimore have issues with the pass rush. The Ravens managed just 30 sacks last season, tied second fewest in team history.