The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade, thus putting the idea of whether the Patriots could acquire the edge rusher back on the table.
Two days after the news of the Las Vegas Raiders trading Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, the trade was taken off the table on Tuesday night.
In a bombshell move that shook the NFL world, the Ravens will now retain the first-round picks they sent to the Raiders in the trade for Crosby, and now the narratives about what will come of this player movement flub begin.
Crosby was linked to many trade rumors, including one with the New England Patriots. With Crosby most likely back in the mix for a move out of the desert, could Mike Vrabel and company intervene and make an offer?
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the reason for the trade falling apart was that Crosby could not pass a physical for the Ravens.
Russini also told the greater Boston media on Super Bowl week that she has it on good authority that the Raiders edge rusher wants to come play for Mike Vrabel. Well, Vrabel and the Patriots may still be in the market.
The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec further mentioned that Crosby had been in Baltimore for the past two days, awaiting the deal to be finalized by 4pm EST tomorrow.
Crosby not passing a physical could generate some red flags and could potentially bring a deal to trade him out of the Raiders down a bit. This could make the Patriots re-enter the chat.
Or could it?
The flip side of that coin is that even if the Patriots were to inquire about Crosby and make a trade, it would not necessarily seem as enticing on the Raiders' end. But in reality, it's been a rocky road for the Patriots to even get to the forefront of trade talks, at least in the public eye.
Let us not forget that Crosby is still recovering from a left knee meniscus injury sustained this past season. Despite whatever health reports say, he is good to go, but now he didn't pass his physical, which makes many wonder just how healthy he is.
Then there is the Tom Brady factor. Brady reportedly had a hand in blocking the trade for Crosby to the Patriots. A move that showed his competitive prowess against old teammate Mike Vrabel but also added to the narrative that surrounds him on just how he may really feel about the Patriots as of late.
Either way, if the Patriots did want to make another run at Crosby, the game plan to do so is most likely already drawn up.
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