Just four days after the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to send Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that would’ve sent two first-round picks back to Vegas, the trade was called off.
Crosby failed the Ravens’ physical, thus leading to Baltimore feeling its health concerns were no longer worth the high price.
But now that the Ravens have pivoted to sign defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Crosby’s salary is back on the Raiders’ books, many are wondering what will happen now.
Teams should still pursue Maxx Crosby
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has already indicated several teams have reached out about Crosby in the wake of the Ravens reneging on the trade, but he’s also reported that the Dallas Cowboys, who were previously interested, are now unlikely to pursue the veteran Raider again.
However, while questions about Crosby’s health exist, there are penny of reasons why the Cowboys and several other teams in need of pass rush help should still look to acquire the five-time Pro Bowler.
Maxx Crosby should be ready for the start of the 2026 season
For starters, it’s only mid March. Crosby just stopped using crutches a week ago, but he’s two months removed from knee surgery. There’s enough time for him to heal up and get ready for the start of the 2026 season.
He’s also a veteran player and is just hitting his prime years at 28, meaning his body should still recover well.
“Maxx [Crosby] 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 and will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past seven seasons,” said Crosby’s agent CJ LaBoy in a social media post on Tuesday.
And for an unbiased perspective, Crosby’s surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache shared his own thoughts to ESPN.
“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.”
Obviously, there could be concerns about Crosby’s long-term future but a team in a “win now” mode and looking for an impact player will likely be able to rely on his availability for this coming season. Even at less than 100%, Crosby is better than most other edge rushers at full strength.
This experience may even lead to Crosby being more motivated to prove Baltimore for wrong for its change of mind on top of being hungry to finally play for a contender.
Maxx Crosby has always been a productive player
Crosby has also always been productive. He recorded 73 total tackles, 28 for a loss, 10 sacks and an interception in 15 games in 2025.
Crosby’s made at least 70 tackles and registered at least 10 sacks in three out of the last four seasons, with the lone year under those numbers being 2024 when he played in only 12 games.
In fact, Crosby has 439 tackles and 69.5 sacks in 110 games played in his seven-year career so far, statistics that have him on a Hall of Fame pace.
And separate from what a healthy Crosby can offer a team, the price to trade for him has been lessened by one highly publicized deal already falling through.
Being able to land a superstar player who can wreck a game at a lower cost seems like a no-brainer and could change the fortunes of whichever franchise decides to go all in.
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