HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday that the Ravens have backed out of a trade agreement that would’ve sent All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks.
No further details were provided in the Raiders’ announcement, but league sources told ESPN the Ravens backed out because of medical concerns that arose during a physical. Trades are contingent on players passing the physical and aren’t official until the start of the new league year Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Ravens officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Raiders were set to meet Tuesday night to try to figure out their next steps, according to sources. It is unclear whether a Crosby trade can be revived in some form, but this puts the Raiders in a difficult situation due to all of the money they’ve already committed to outside free agents.
The Raiders were big spenders Monday. They used the league’s most cap space to agree to terms with All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, one of the top free agents, on a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN. The Raiders also strengthened their defense by signing linebackers Quay Walker (three-year, $40.5 million) and Nakobe Dean (three-year, $36 million), edge rusher Kwity Paye (three-year, $48 million), while re-signing cornerback Eric Stokes (three-year, $30 million) and edge rusher Malcolm Koonce (one-year, $11 million).
Las Vegas also added Jalen Nailor (three-year, $35 million) to improve its wide receiver room.
On Friday, the Raiders acquired the Ravens’ 14th overall pick in April’s draft and a first-round pick in 2027. The move would have ended Crosby’s seven-year career with the Raiders.
Crosby underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He was aware that he needed surgery in the fall but continued to play until the team decided to shut him down for the final two games this past season, a decision that left Crosby frustrated.
Crosby posted a 13-minute video on his social media accounts on Saturday, bidding farewell to Las Vegas and expressing his excitement for his new journey with the Ravens. He posted on Instagram on Tuesday that he was in Baltimore.
“I know there’s no guarantees in this,” Crosby said. “But I’m going to give everything in my heart and soul to bring a championship to Baltimore. There are no more words needed for that.
He added: “I’m so excited. I cannot wait to get out to the city and meet everybody.”
The Ravens have rescinded deals in the past because of issues with physicals.
In 1997, Baltimore backed out of a deal with Cowboys safety Brock Marion minutes before he was going to sign a contract because the team discovered a potential problem with his left shoulder. In 2018, Baltimore voided its four-year, $29 million agreement with wide receiver Ryan Grant after he failed a physical over an ankle injury.
The Ravens now need to address how to address their pass rush, which was one of their biggest weaknesses. Baltimore totaled 30 sacks last season, which was tied for the second-fewest in team history
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley and Dan Graziano contributed to this report.
