The Baltimore Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby due to a major medical issue with the pass rusher.
The Baltimore Ravens pulled off one of the biggest trades in NFL history, landing perennial edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 No. 14 overall selection and their 2027 first-round pick.
That all came crashing down on Monday when it was announced that the Ravens backed out of the trade. The announcement sent shockwaves through the NFL, world, and now the reasoning behind the failed trade has been revealed. It was a reported failed physical that stalled one of the biggest trades in NFL history.
Crosby had dealt with a nagging knee injury throughout the 2025 season, which ultimately led to being shut down by the Raiders with three games left in the regular season. The choice to do so was the catalyst for the fallout between the organization and the pass rusher.
Crosby then opted to get meniscus surgery to repair the nagging knee ailment that led to him being shut down.
It appears to be the knee and the significance of the surgery and likely damage Crosby has to his knee that caused the Ravens to back out.
NFL insider Dianna Russini revealed more about what transpired.
"After Maxx Crosby underwent testing today at the Ravens’ facility, Baltimore made the decision as an organization that it could not move forward with the deal based on the results of the medical.
Crosby will remain a Raider for now as other teams can weigh any potential risk that comes with trading for him," Russini wrote on X.
Multiple insiders also corroborated the same report, in that Crosby was at the Ravens facility and his medical issue was revealed following testing. The knee might need more time to heal, prompting Baltimore to back out.
Giving up two first-round picks is a lot, especially if the player acquired cannot play in the season where a first-round pick is lost. Instead of the Ravens not being able to utilize Crosby, they chose to back out.
This is just speculation, but the results of the physical clearly were enough for the Ravens' medical staff to advise not to follow through with the trade.
Crosby will now return to being a member of the Raiders, while the next steps for both organizations are figured out.
Considering the heavy free agency losses for the Ravens and now losing Crosby, they will need a big signing to help elevate the team and move past this.