Maxx Crosby: Ravens Back Out of Trade After Failed Physical

The NFL offseason is often filled with shocking trades and blockbuster deals, but sometimes those moves collapse at the last moment. That is exactly what happened with star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and the Baltimore Ravens.

In a stunning development during the 2026 offseason, the Ravens backed out of a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders that would have sent Crosby to Baltimore. The deal reportedly collapsed after Crosby failed his physical, leading the Ravens to cancel the trade entirely.

The unexpected twist has left fans, analysts, and teams across the league wondering what went wrong and what the future holds for one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers.

This article explains the failed physical, why the Ravens backed out, how the trade fell apart, and what it means for Crosby and the Raiders moving forward.

The Proposed Maxx Crosby Trade

Before the trade collapsed, the deal was expected to be one of the most significant moves of the NFL offseason.

Reports indicated that the Ravens and Raiders had agreed to send Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks, including the Ravens’ 2026 first-round pick and another first-rounder in 2027.

For Baltimore, the move was designed to add an elite pass rusher to a defense already loaded with talent. Pairing Crosby with a strong defensive unit would have made the Ravens even more dangerous as they tried to compete for a Super Bowl around quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Meanwhile, the Raiders were looking to build for the future by gaining valuable draft capital.

At first glance, the trade appeared to benefit both teams.

However, the agreement included one crucial condition: Crosby had to pass a medical physical with the Ravens before the trade could be finalized.

That condition ultimately led to the deal falling apart.

Why the Ravens Backed Out of the Trade

The Ravens cancelled the trade after medical evaluations revealed concerns about Crosby’s knee.

According to reports, Crosby failed the physical examination conducted by Baltimore’s medical staff, prompting the team to withdraw from the agreement.

The failed physical was linked to a knee injury Crosby suffered during the 2025 season.

He later underwent meniscus surgery in January, and while he was expected to recover in time for the next season, Baltimore’s doctors were not comfortable approving the deal.

Because the Ravens were giving up two first-round picks, the medical risk may have been considered too high.

In the NFL, a trade is not official until the acquiring team’s doctors approve the player’s health. If concerns appear during the examination, the team has the right to cancel the deal.

That’s exactly what Baltimore decided to do.

Understanding the Failed Physical

For many fans, the term “failed physical” can be confusing.

It does not necessarily mean that the player cannot play football. Instead, it usually means the team’s doctors believe there is too much injury risk for the cost of the trade.

NFL physicals involve several detailed evaluations:

1. Medical history review

Teams examine the player’s full injury history.

2. Imaging tests

Doctors review MRI scans and X-rays.

3. Joint stability checks

Knees, ankles, and shoulders are tested for structural damage.

4. Surgical recovery progress

Doctors evaluate how well the player is healing after surgery.

Crosby’s case reportedly involved concerns about his repaired meniscus, which requires months of recovery and can impact a player’s explosiveness.

For a pass rusher whose game depends on speed and agility, that injury raised red flags.

Maxx Crosby’s Injury Situation

Crosby played through a knee issue during the 2025 season before eventually undergoing surgery in the offseason.

Despite the injury, he still had an impressive year.

His 2025 season included:

• 10 sacks

• 73 tackles

• 2 forced fumbles

• 6 passes defended

He also earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl selection, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s best defensive players.

However, the fact that he required surgery late in the season meant teams needed to carefully evaluate his health before committing major assets.

That evaluation ultimately derailed the Ravens deal.

What Happens Now for Maxx Crosby?

With the trade cancelled, Crosby remains under contract with the Raiders.

The situation is awkward for both sides because the team had already prepared for his departure.

Reports indicated Crosby even posted a farewell message to Raiders fans before the deal collapsed.

Now, several possible scenarios could unfold:

1. Crosby stays with the Raiders

The team could simply move forward and keep him as their defensive cornerstone.

2. Another trade partner emerges

Different teams may evaluate Crosby’s medical situation differently.

3. Trade negotiations resume later

If Crosby proves healthy later in the offseason, interest could return.

Some teams reportedly remain interested despite the failed physical.

Why Other Teams Might Still Trade for Crosby

A failed physical with one team does not necessarily mean every team will reject a player.

Different franchises have different medical staffs and risk tolerances.

For example:

• One team may consider the injury manageable.

• Another team may view it as a long-term concern.

Because Crosby is an elite defensive player, it would not be surprising if other teams revisit trade talks.

In fact, reports suggested that several franchises could still explore a deal if the price drops.

Impact on the Baltimore Ravens

For the Ravens, losing Crosby means they must pivot quickly.

The team was hoping to add a dominant edge rusher to its defense, but the failed trade means they must explore other options.

Possible alternatives include:

• Signing a veteran free agent

• Trading for another pass rusher

• Addressing the position in the NFL Draft

Baltimore still retains its 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, which could now be used to improve other areas of the roster.

Impact on the Las Vegas Raiders

The situation is also complicated for the Raiders.

They initially planned to move on from Crosby and receive valuable draft assets.

Now they face several questions:

• Do they keep Crosby as the defensive leader?

• Do they attempt another trade?

• Will his market value drop after the failed physical?

Financial factors also come into play. Crosby carries a significant salary cap hit for the upcoming season, which the Raiders had likely planned to remove via the trade.

Maxx Crosby’s Career and Reputation

Despite the recent controversy, Crosby remains one of the NFL’s most productive defensive players.

Since entering the league, he has built a reputation for:

• Relentless motor

• Elite pass-rushing ability

• Leadership on defense

Key highlights of his career include:

• Multiple Pro Bowl selections

• Double-digit sack seasons

• One of the league’s highest-paid non-quarterbacks at one point

His three-year contract extension signed in 2025 was worth over $106 million, reflecting his value as a franchise defensive player.

Because of his talent, teams across the league will likely continue monitoring his situation.

Could the Trade Be Revived?

Technically, yes.

The Ravens could reconsider the trade if new medical evaluations show improvement in Crosby’s recovery.

However, that scenario is unlikely in the short term because the team already decided the medical risk was too high.

More realistically, another team could step in with a different offer.

What This Means for the NFL Offseason

The collapse of the Crosby trade is one of the most dramatic storylines of the 2026 offseason.

It highlights how fragile major trades can be in professional sports.

Even after teams agree to a deal, several steps must still occur:

1. Contract reviews

2. League approval

3. Medical examinations

If any step fails, the entire transaction can disappear.

That is exactly what happened with Crosby and the Ravens.

Final Thoughts

The failed trade between Maxx Crosby and the Baltimore Ravens is a reminder of how unpredictable the NFL offseason can be.

What looked like a blockbuster move suddenly collapsed due to medical concerns.

For now:

• Crosby remains with the Raiders.

• The Ravens retain their draft picks.

• The league continues to watch what happens next.

Whether Crosby stays in Las Vegas or eventually joins another team, one thing is certain: his future will remain one of the most closely watched stories in the NFL.

FAQs

Why did the Ravens back out of the Maxx Crosby trade?

The Ravens cancelled the deal after Maxx Crosby failed his physical examination due to concerns related to his knee injury and recent meniscus surgery.

What was the trade package for Maxx Crosby?

The proposed trade would have sent Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027.

What injury did Maxx Crosby have?

Crosby suffered a knee injury during the 2025 season and later underwent meniscus surgery in January 2026.

Did Maxx Crosby fail a physical?

Yes. Reports indicated he did not pass the Ravens’ medical examination, which caused Baltimore to cancel the trade.

Is Maxx Crosby still with the Raiders?

Yes. Since the trade was voided, Crosby remains a player for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Could Maxx Crosby still be traded?

Possibly. Other teams may evaluate his medical situation differently and could attempt to trade for him later.