The collapse of the Max Crosby trade reminds us that in NFL free agency, no deal is truly done until it is processed by the league.
The Las Vegas Raiders broke the news on Tuesday night that the trade that sent five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens will not proceed. The Raiders claimed in a statement that the Ravens “backed out” of the agreement reached four days earlier. Media outlets including NFL Network and ESPN reported that medical issues that arose during Crosby’s physical were the catalyst that led to the deal being terminated.
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There’s a lot to iron out Wednesday and beyond, so here are the latest updates on the situation:
What happened to Max Crosby’s physical with the Ravens?
It’s unclear what prompted the break between the Ravens and Raiders.
Crosby had surgery to repair his meniscus in January after missing the final two games of the season, which became a point of contention when the team shut him down against his will.
Crosby’s agent, C.J. LaBoy, wrote on
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The Ravens have not yet commented on the matter.
Where could Max Crosby land next via trade?
It’s unclear when and where Crosby will be moved, if ever.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Raiders have received calls from “several” teams asking if Crosby could be involved in a potential trade. However, he added that the team is working to keep Crosby healthy and have him play for the team, though he said Las Vegas would listen to more calls.
With NFL teams required to comply with the league’s salary cap by Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, crafting a deal that fits within all of the team’s other unofficial agreements to date could be complicated.
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The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly one of the teams that initially pushed for Crosby. But Dallas is not expected to renegotiate trade talks with the Raiders at this time after agreeing to acquire edge rusher Rashon Gary from the Green Bay Packers and sign safety Jalen Thompson, according to multiple reports.
What’s next for the Raiders after the Max Crosby trade fell through?
Just as trades don’t become official until the start of the new league year at 4 PM ET on Wednesday, free-agent deals can’t be locked in until that window opens.
The Raiders inked lucrative deals with several players, including center Tyler Lindbaum, linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quai Walker, wide receiver Jalen Naylor and edge rusher Kvitee Paye.
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The deal would have freed up about $30 million in cap space for the Raiders, but with Crosby returning, Las Vegas will now have to deal with that blow.
What’s next for the Ravens after the Max Crosby trade fell through?
All eyes will be on edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who could be the Ravens’ backup plan if they still want to splash out on a pass rusher.
Hendrickson, 31, is nearly three years older than Crosby. But the former NFL sack king is undoubtedly the most accomplished defensive player today, and reports suggest his market is cooler than he and others expected.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maxx Crosby update: Latest news after trade with Ravens fell through
