Add The New York Post on Google Maxx Crosby is opening up about his failed trade to the Ravens earlier this offseason.
The Ravens were supposed to trade two first-round draft picks to the Raiders for Crosby back in March, but backed out of the deal over concerns surrounding the health of Crosby’s knee.
Baltimore then pivoted to signing fellow sack-master Trey Hendrickson, who was recovering from injuries of his own.
“I know they were doing what they thought was best for them,” Crosby said as the Raiders opened training camp this week.
“That’s fine. You don’t want me. Make you look crazy. It’s OK,” he continued.
Crosby’s status with the Raiders had long been in question as they headed toward an NFL-worst 3-14 season. His emergence as one of the league’s premier pass rushers — he’s racked up 69.5 sacks in 110 games, all with the Raiders franchise, including a team-high 10 in 2025 — and his obvious displeasure at being shut down before the final game of the season intensified the rumors heading into the offseason.
Crosby went on to explain that no reports have gotten his experience with Baltimore completely right. When the deal first fell apart, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta held an emotional press conference and shared he was “gutted” by pulling out of the trade, but little further detail was given.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) speaks during a news conference at the team’s NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. AP Photo/Lucas Peltier The Ravens were reportedly worried about long-term risks as Crosby recovered from his injury, but his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, told ESPN he expected future risk to decrease as his recovery process went on.
“I don’t get into details on that because, you know, it’s a business,” Crosby explained. “People, to this day, have no idea of what happened.
“I know the truth. Everybody that was involved knows what really transpired. I’ve moved forward. I don’t dwell on [stuff],” he said.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warms up during practice, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. AP Photo/Ian Maule Crosby, who has made the Pro Bowl in five straight seasons, put things simply during his post-practice presser on Wednesday.
“It’s just added points and given me a little more reason to go out there and whoop ass,” Crosby said.
Now outside noise is swirling around whether the Cowboys, who owner Jerry Jones said would trade a top draft pick for an impact player to help the team win now, could go after Crosby.
“It doesn’t change anything for me, to be honest,” Crosby said of the noise surrounding his future.
“They wouldn’t be talking about you if you weren’t doing something right,” he continued. “And I know what I bring to the table as a player, and as a leader, and as a worker.”
