Maxx Crosby’s failed physical with the Baltimore Ravens last week briefly shook up the NFL landscape and created uncertainty about his immediate future. The development caught the attention of teams across the league and raised questions about whether the Las Vegas Raiders might suddenly be forced into a difficult decision.
Albert Breer Highlights How Crosby’s Physical Setback Makes Teams Hesitant to Trade
Crosby ultimately returned to the Raiders, but not before multiple reports revealed that Baltimore and Las Vegas had agreed to a framework that would have sent two first-round picks to the Raiders in exchange for the star pass rusher. The failed physical, or a bout of organizational hesitation, led the Ravens to rescind the agreement.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that several teams contacted Las Vegas after the failed exam became public, hoping the Raiders might be vulnerable to a discounted deal. They quickly learned that was not the case.
“Las Vegas was never going to give Crosby away,” Breer said. “And when teams tried to look for such a deal in calling the Raiders after last Tuesday’s physical fiasco, they heard as much. Could someone come along and offer the ransom number for Crosby? Sure, but I don’t see that being likely.
“That’s mostly because, now that it’s public knowledge that Crosby failed his physical, another coach or GM is going to be leery about taking anything near the sort of swing that Baltimore was initially prepared to take,” Breer added. “Mostly because if you do, and then he breaks down in the next year or two, it becomes awfully hard to explain it to your owner.”
Baltimore had been prepared to make a major investment in Crosby, but once the medical concern surfaced, the organization pivoted and ultimately signed former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson instead. Hendrickson offered a cleaner medical profile and a more predictable short-term outlook, making him a safer option for a team that needed immediate edge help.
For the Raiders, Crosby’s return provides stability for a defense that relies heavily on his production and leadership. Las Vegas finished last season with a PFSN Defense Impact Score of 70.0, ranking No. 21 in the league, and Crosby remains the centerpiece of a unit that leans on his presence both on the field and in the locker room.
The organization showed no willingness to entertain cut-rate offers, even amid the uncertainty created by the failed physical.
The broader league takeaway is clear: Crosby’s failed physical has cooled his trade market significantly, and any team considering a major swing must weigh the risk of long-term durability concerns. Unless a club is willing to overlook those questions and meet the Raiders’ steep asking price, Crosby is expected to remain the face of the Las Vegas defense for the foreseeable future.
