Sources: Ravens canceled trade for Crosby due to medical concerns

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday that the Ravens have “opted out” of a trade agreement that would have 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 that the Ravens backed out due to medical concerns that came up during a physical. Trades are contingent on players passing a physical and are not official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Ravens officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Raiders are scheduled to meet Tuesday night to try to figure out their next steps, according to sources. It’s unclear if the Crosby deal could be revived in some capacity, but this puts Las Vegas in a tough position due to all the money it has already committed to outside free agents.

The Raiders were big spenders on Monday. They used the largest cap space in the league to agree to terms with three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, a top free agent, on a three-year, $81 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN. The Raiders also bolstered their defense by making deals with linebackers Quay Walker (three years, $40.5 million) and Nakobe Dean (three years, $36 million) and edge rusher Kwity Paye (three years, $48 million), and agreeing to re-sign cornerback Eric Stokes (three years, $30 million) and edge rusher Malcolm Councey (one year, $11 million).

Las Vegas also added Jalen Naylor (three years, $35 million) to improve the wide receiver room.

According to a team source, the Raiders are open to the possibility of reworking a Crosby trade. However, one team that would be a longshot is the Dallas Cowboys, who are not expected to pursue Crosby a second time because it would be “hard to track” recent acquisitions, including the Rashaan Gary trade, a source told ESPN.

On Friday, the Raiders acquired the Ravens with the 14th overall pick in April’s draft and a first-round pick in 2027. The move could 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 knew he would need surgery in the fall but continued to play until the team decided to cut him for the final two games of last season, a decision that frustrated Crosby.

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 are no guarantees in this,” Crosby said. “But I will give everything in my heart and soul to bring the championship to Baltimore. There are no more words needed for that.”

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait to get out into the city and meet everyone,” he added.

The Ravens have canceled trades in the past due to physical issues.

In 1997, Baltimore opted out of a trade for Cowboys safety Brock Marion minutes before signing the contract because the team discovered a potential problem with his left shoulder. In 2018, Baltimore canceled its four-year, $29 million deal with wide receiver Ryan Grant after he failed a physical due to an ankle injury. In 2020, the Ravens’ deal with defensive lineman Michael Brockers fell through after an independent doctor expressed concern about Brockers’ left ankle.

The Ravens now need to address their pass rush, which has been one of their biggest weaknesses. Baltimore totaled 30 sacks last season, the second-fewest in team history.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.