Analysis: Breaking down Ravens backing out of trade for Maxx Crosby

Sam Cohn, Josh Tolentino, Bennett Conlin and C.J. Doon, The Baltimore Sun on Mar 10, 2026

Published in Football

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BALTIMORE — Here’s what The Baltimore Sun staff had to say immediately after the Ravens backed out of a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby that included two first-round draft picks:

Sam Cohn, reporter

When you first read that, did you assume it was fake? Maybe the notification popped up, but you still figured that it was a dupe, or that the Raiders’ team account got hacked. Nope. Crosby, who was a Raven for less than four days and was in Baltimore as early as Monday, will not wear purple this season. It’s a nightmare scenario for the Ravens’ front office.

After watching eight free agents walk out the door the first two days of the legal tampering period, there was still a sliver of hope knowing that they got an all-world game wrecker to shore up a position of need. Now, they’re still without several key pieces lost in free agency and they’re back to having a pass rush in dire need of upgrading. Perhaps they’ll sign the consolation prize: Trey Hendrickson. But Ravens fans will long wonder what could have been on this one.

The most significant trade in Ravens history, no more.

Josh Tolentino, columnist

Well, Baltimore’s offseason just took a mighty ugly turn.

My first reaction was shock, because this was supposed to be the bold, uncharacteristic swing that changed the shape of Baltimore’s offseason. Instead, the Ravens are suddenly back at square one after agreeing to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas, only to back out before the trade could become official because of medical concerns that surfaced during Crosby’s physical.

What exactly did the Ravens think they were buying? Crosby is a terrific player with a nonstop motor, but the risk was never hidden. He underwent surgery to repair his meniscus in January, and any team trading for him would be taking on medical uncertainty. Perhaps Baltimore discovered something new in his physical.

The Ravens can’t spend too much time lamenting the star pass rusher they almost had. They must identify a new plan for first-year coach Jesse Minter’s defense after finishing with just 30 sacks in 2025. Baltimore has already lost nine players to free agency since the NFL’s legal tampering period kicked off Monday, and now they lose out on the blockbuster addition that already forced a domino effect across the league. Oh, and Lamar Jackson still has yet to reach a new agreement with the team.

Eric DeCosta will probably never admit as much, but it might be time to press the panic button.

Bennett Conlin, editor

Holy wet blanket.

After thrilling fans with the addition of Crosby on Friday night, Baltimore’s blockbuster took less than a week to fall apart. The Ravens still have pass rush issues, and their makeup in the trenches looks even worse with center Tyler Linderbaum leaving to … join Crosby in Las Vegas, apparently! Baltimore has its reasons for not making the move, but it’s a tough blow for fans who spent the weekend celebrating the addition of one of the NFL’s best defenders.

This doesn’t doom the Ravens’ 2026 outlook, but it does put a damper on the offseason. It adds another huge hole to Baltimore’s projected roster. How will Eric DeCosta pivot in the face of unexpected adversity after fans and analysts sang his praises days earlier?

C.J. Doon, editor

Wow. What a mess.

This trade was shocking because of Baltimore’s willingness to go against its M.O. and deal two premium picks for a veteran player near the end of this prime. But the reversal might be even more stunning.

There are so many ripple effects from this news. Can the Raiders afford to keep Crosby after their free-agent splurge this week? Is he beyond repair medically? Are the Ravens going to aggressively pursue another edge rusher (hello, Trey Hendrickson)?

Could this actually end up being a good move for the Ravens in the long run? If Crosby is not fully healthy, he’s not worth the risk given his contract. He’s been extremely productive since entering the league and has a reputation for working hard and never wanting to leave the field, but that might not last as he approaches his 30s.

At the same time, the Ravens want to win big with Lamar Jackson. His contract remains a sticking point, and there will only be so many more chances to compete for a Super Bowl. If Crosby can only give you at least one or two healthy seasons, isn’t that enough?

The pressure is back on Baltimore to retool its roster after giving its fans so much hope with this now-scuttled deal. It will be difficult for Eric DeCosta and the front office to rebuild trust if this offseason doesn’t meet expectations. The 2026 season just got a heck of a lot more interesting.