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- NFL. The Patriots have moved on from Maxx Crosby and have set their sights on a new target who could help make them stronger
A blockbuster trade that would have sent Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed at the final hurdle, and new details are shedding light on why the deal unraveled so dramatically. The proposed agreement, which reportedly involved two first-round NFL Draft picks heading to Las Vegas, appeared all but complete earlier this month.
However, the move was abruptly halted after Crosby underwent a physical in Baltimore, leading to widespread speculation about a failed medical evaluation.
According to reporting from Ryan McFadden of ESPN, the Ravens ultimately backed out due to concerns surrounding a "degenerative issue" in Crosby's knee.
The star pass rusher had recently undergone surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus, and while his recovery was progressing, long-term durability became a sticking point for Baltimore.
A source familiar with the situation told ESPN: "The consensus was that Crosby would be able to play in 2026.
"The Ravens' concern centered on the uncertainty of Crosby's durability after a couple of seasons in Baltimore because of a degenerative issue in his knee."
Confusion and frustration follow collapse
The decision left Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta "gutted," while Crosby himself expressed a mix of anger and confusion after the deal fell apart.
Speaking on his The Rush podcast, the 28-year-old suggested that the full story may never be publicly acknowledged, saying "no one will ever admit what the real truth is."
Despite the medical concerns, there were indications throughout the process that both the Raiders and Crosby's representatives had been transparent about the condition of his knee.
Reports indicate the Ravens conducted extensive due diligence prior to agreeing to the trade, making their last-minute withdrawal all the more surprising.
The timeline adds further intrigue. Crosby began walking without crutches on February 27 and later traveled to Baltimore on March 10 to complete his physical, including an MRI scan.
By that stage, the deal had already been agreed in principle, heightening expectations that a formal announcement was imminent.
Instead, warning signs began to emerge during his visit. Crosby recalled his first interaction with Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, noting a noticeable shift in atmosphere.
"I dap him up and I can just tell the energy was a little bit off," Crosby said. "The GM [Eric DeCosta] was standing in the hall to the right, and that was the first time I'd seen him.
"In my head, this is a whirlwind. Like, I'm so excited, fired up. And you could just tell the energy was off.
"I dapped [Minter] up and he had a blank face. I'm like ok... I'm not thinking anything of it. Maybe he's just different, I don't know him. Whatever."
That unease soon gave way to clarity during a meeting with team officials: "I go into the room, they sit me down on the couch and he's like, 'Man I don't know how to say this, but one of our doctors has concerns with the results, like with your knee, some of them are really concerned about the future'," Crosby recalled.
"'We really want you but we're gonna have to get more and more opinions.'" hortly afterward, the deal officially collapsed.
"CJ LaBoy calls me and he's like, 'They're backing out.' I'm like, 'Holy s***,'" Crosby added. "I'm like frozen. I'm livid, I'm confused. The whole nine all in one."
Medical outlook versus organizational caution
Interestingly, respected surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache offered a far more optimistic assessment of Crosby's recovery.
Speaking to Adam Schefter of ESPN, he said: "Maxx Crosby is 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 feels very well and is already much improved compared to before surgery."
That contrast has only deepened the mystery surrounding the failed trade. Details about the specific "degenerative issue" identified by Baltimore remain unclear, leaving room for continued debate.
For now, Crosby remains with the Raiders, where he can refocus on the 2026 season.
Whether another trade opportunity emerges remains to be seen, but the episode has already become one of the most intriguing what-ifs of the offseason.