About a month ago, it was announced that defensive end, Maxx Crosby, was going to be leaving the Las Vegas Raiders and joining the Baltimore Ravens after 7 successful seasons. The trade was very anticipated after rumors of Crosby circulated around the league for multiple months. The shocking part is that the team trading for him would be such a successful team (this season being an exception).

With a team so successful being able to offer a good deal and a player that has already made it clear that they want to leave the team, the trade was a no brainer and it was pretty clear that Maxx Crosby would be a Raven this 2026 – 2027 season. Until it wasn’t. About 4 days later, the Raiders posted the short and maybe even spiteful statement.

“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby. We will have no further comment at this time,” said the Raiders.

Then, earlier today, it was announced that the Ravens and defensive end, Trey Hendrickson, have reached a deal. Trey Hendrickson has had a very successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals, but also had a slow start to his successful career with the New Orleans Saints. But when the Raiders and Maxx Crosby were both happy with the trade offer, why take back your offer just to pick up a different star player that plays the same position?

Well, it’s not because of injuries because both players had surgery this year. Trey Hendrickson reported back and hip injuries. And, as a result, had core muscle surgery in December and is expected to start next season. Maxx Crosby had a meniscus tear in his left knee and had surgery in January. He is also expected to start next season. On top of that, neither of these players have a lengthy injury history and are actually known for being “durable” and reliable players. With that being said, Maxx Crosby did fail the physical test but it was already clear to everyone that he was not 100% healthy at the moment and neither is Hendrickson (although Hendrickson might be a bit more healthy than Crosby). 

So, even after more than a month and the Ravens citing health concerns as the reason for backing out of what seemed a sure trade, there is still much confusion, debate, and resentment about the Ravens rejecting Maxx Crosby and instead trading for Trey Hendrickson.