It's been weeks since the Baltimore Ravens shocked the world by making a trade for Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, only to renege on the deal a few days later due to a "failed medical evaluation."
But according to one report, there might be a little bit more truth to the idea than fans are ready to accept. According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, while the Ravens believed that Crosby would be physically able to play in 2026, they were concerned about his long-term viability with the team due to a "degenerative issue" with his knee.
“The consensus was that Crosby would be able to play in 2026. The Ravens’ concern centered on the uncertainty of Crosby’s durability after a couple of seasons in Baltimore because of a degenerative issue in his knee, a source told ESPN.”
It makes sense. If the Ravens were going to give up two years worth of first-round draft picks, they would want a player they expect to compete at the highest level for a long time, not just a player who would be physically capable of playing.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Where to go from here?
The Ravens ultimately went in a different direction to address their pass rush needs. They wound up signing Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson as a free agent, simultaneously adding one of the best pass rushers in the conference while also taking away a division rival's top defender.
As for Crosby and the Raiders, they seem content to try and work together for another year (despite Crosby having said his goodbye previously).
Perhaps this botched trade will be a blessing in disguise for the Raiders. You make a trade like that in hopes of getting a generational talent - but Crosby somewhat is a generational talent already. If he can stay healthy for another few years, the Raiders might get just as much value out of him than whatever players they would have drafted.
Anything is possible.
