Ravens Rescind Maxx Crosby Trade After Failed Physical Over Knee Concerns

The Baltimore Ravens backed out of a blockbuster trade for five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby after medical staff raised concerns during his physical.

The Baltimore Ravens officially rescinded a blockbuster Maxx Crosby trade on Tuesday night, backing out of an agreement that would have sent two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders. This collapsed deal, which was set to become official at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, marks the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year franchise history that the team agreed to trade away a first-round selection. League sources confirmed to ESPN that the transaction was voided due to medical concerns discovered during a physical examination. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, had undergone surgery in early January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee after an MRI in December suggested potential long-term risks if the injury persisted.

Specific medical evaluations vary across the NFL, as there is no uniform standard for passing a physical. While the Raiders previously cleared Crosby, the Ravens' decision-makers and medical staff projected a health risk that prompted them to cancel the transaction. This is not the first time Baltimore has voided a deal; the team previously rescinded free agent contracts for safety Brock Marion in 1997, wide receiver Ryan Grant in 2018, and defensive lineman Michael Brockers in 2020. The Raiders now face a significant financial hurdle, as they committed nearly $300 million to free agents on the first day of the negotiating window, expecting to save $30 million in cap space by moving Crosby’s salary.

Medical History and Physical Results

Crosby’s left knee issues were a recurring theme throughout the 2025 season. The defender admitted on his podcast, "The Rush," that he knew as early as September that offseason surgery was required. Although he played through the injury for most of the year, he frequently missed weekday practices. Tensions peaked when the Raiders organization shut him down for the final two weeks of the season, leading Crosby to leave the facility after being told he would not play in a Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants. Despite walking on crutches for over a month following his January procedure, he posted a video on Feb. 27 showing himself playing basketball at his home.

Historical precedents for voided trades due to health concerns include a 2011 deal where the Philadelphia Eagles canceled a trade for Jerome Harrison after a brain tumor was discovered during his physical. More recently, the Houston Texans backed out of a 2022 trade for Adam Shaheen due to a pre-existing knee injury, and the Minnesota Vikings called off a 2020 deal for P.J. Hall. In 2017, the Seattle Seahawks and Texans had to amend a trade for Duane Brown after cornerback Jeremy Lane failed his physical, resulting in the Seahawks adding extra draft pick compensation to finalize the move.

Impact on Raiders Roster and Salary Cap

The collapse of the Maxx Crosby trade leaves the Raiders in a precarious salary cap position. The team must be cap-compliant by the start of the new league year on Wednesday. High-profile additions like Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Jalen Nailor could face delays in making their contracts official if the Raiders cannot resolve Crosby’s cap number. While the Dallas Cowboys previously offered a first and second-round pick for the pass rusher, sources indicate they are unlikely to pursue him again. Dallas is currently committed to Rashan Gary’s $19.5 million salary for 2026 along with several high-priced offensive starters.

Las Vegas still holds the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming April draft, but the loss of two additional first-rounders from Baltimore hampers their rebuild efforts. The Raiders may still find other suitors for Crosby, though the failed physical is expected to diminish his trade value. If the team cannot find a new partner, they must decide whether to keep the veteran or restructure existing deals to accommodate his large cap hit. Other teams, such as the Chicago Bears, could potentially evaluate Crosby’s medicals differently and move forward with a separate trade proposal.

Ravens Pass Rush Alternatives and Draft Strategy

Baltimore’s defense has lost nine free agents over the last 48 hours, including Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders. To address their pass-rush void, the team may target Trey Hendrickson, who has recorded 79 sacks since 2019—ten more than Crosby in that same timeframe. Hendrickson, 31, remains a viable alternative as other top-tier edge rushers have already signed elsewhere. Jaelen Phillips and Odafe Oweh both secured four-year, $120 million deals with the Panthers and Commanders, respectively, while Khalil Mack signed an $18 million one-year extension with the Chargers.

With the No. 14 overall pick in the draft, the Ravens could look to the collegiate ranks if they do not sign a veteran like Joey Bosa, AJ Epenesa, or Jadeveon Clowney. Draft analyst Matt Miller suggests that while Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey will likely be gone, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. could be available due to his 30⅞-inch arm length. Bain produced 9.5 sacks and 71 pressures last season. Other potential targets for Baltimore include Auburn’s Keldric Faulk or speed rusher Cashius Howell from Texas A&M, as the team looks to fill holes at offensive line, tight end, cornerback, safety, and wide receiver.