Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby was poised to join the Baltimore Ravens after a deal involving two first-round draft picks. The trade collapsed when Ravens medical staff raised concerns about Crosby’s recent meniscus surgery - he’d missed the final two games of the season.
Crosby described the experience as "one of the most unique, crazy, wild, up-and-down rollercoasters" he’s ever faced - especially amid celebrating six months of sobriety.
He flew to Washington, D.C., then drove two hours to Baltimore - only to wait five hours before meeting head coach Jesse Minter. "I dap him up, and you can just tell the energy was off … He had a blank face," Crosby recalled on his podcast "The Rush."
In a tense meeting, the Ravens told him one doctor had reservations about his knee’s long-term durability. Crosby said he left “freaking out,” then got a call confirming the trade was voided.
He boarded a private jet back to Las Vegas - and was at the Raiders facility working out before 5 a.m. the next day.
The Ravens quickly pivoted, signing Cincinnati Bengals veteran Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal with $60 million guaranteed.
Crosby responded on X: "Everything happens for a reason. Believe nothing you hear & half of what you see. I’m a Raider. I’m back. Run that s---."
Last season, Crosby recorded 73 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 15 games - an elite pass-rush performance despite playing on a losing team.
He earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection last season.