Tag: Maxx Crosby

Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Baltimore Ravens logo and helmets before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Ravens GM ‘gutted’; claims plan was to pair Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens spent the weekend considering a pass-rush duo that could have transformed their defense: five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby on one edge and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson on the other.

By Tuesday morning, the plan was gone and general manager Eric DeCosta was left explaining why Baltimore nixed its agreement to acquire Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders one day before signing Hendrickson to a lucrative free-agent contract.

“Nobody’s more upset about this than me — gutted by it, actually,” DeCosta said Wednesday afternoon at the team facility. “And so a regret, a big regret for me, but we will move on as a football team.”

On Friday, Baltimore agreed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas for Crosby with the deal to be made official when the NFL’s new league year began Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Ravens brought in Crosby, who underwent knee surgery in January, to complete the standard physical. Multiple reports indicated the Ravens could not move forward with the deal after reviewing the results.

DeCosta confirmed Crosby was in the building, but he said the team “couldn’t complete the process.” He declined to be more specific about Crosby, who owns 69.5 career sacks in 110 games.

The fallout was immediate and noisy because Baltimore pivoted quickly to Hendrickson, who owns 81 sacks in 117 regular-season games. The Ravens reached a four-year, $112 million agreement with the former Bengals star within 24 hours of scuttling the trade.

That timing fueled the easy assumption that the Ravens got cold feet on the Crosby price tag and grabbed a different edge rusher instead. DeCosta pushed back on that idea, saying the point was to pursue both.

He said the Hendrickson talks began Monday when the team learned center Tyler Linderbaum was headed to Las Vegas and were originally framed as a complement to Crosby, not a replacement.

“We live in that age of skepticism,” DeCosta said. “I’ve got a responsibility to the Ravens, to this community, to our fans and to (majority owner) Steve Bisciotti to do what we think is best for the club.”

DeCosta downplayed any potential long-term damage from the failed trade, pointing out that his phone is “still ringing” and insisting the Ravens’ relationships around the league remain strong.

–Field Level Media

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Returned to sender: Maxx Crosby at Raiders’ facility, sides mending fences

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Signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders welcoming Maxx Crosby back into the fold as a result of the return-to-sender rejection of a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.

Sports Illustrated reported the star defensive end was back at the team facility to rehab from left knee surgery at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and considers himself an employee of the Raiders going forward.

The Raiders agreed to a trade on Friday with the Ravens, sending Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for multiple first-round picks. But the deal was pending the results of Crosby’s physical and was not official until Wednesday, the first day of the league year. On Tuesday night, the Ravens informed the Raiders the deal was off, according to multiple reports, because of questions surrounding Crosby’s health and what they considered a “failed physical.”

On Wednesday morning, the Ravens reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with free agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The 31-year-old is also coming back from surgery. He played in seven games last season and underwent core muscle surgery. The terms of the agreement, with a value of around $112 million according to multiple reports, matches the total compensation remaining on Crosby’s deal.

NFL Network reported the Chicago Bears were willing to part with two first-round picks to acquire Crosby but were outbid. The Ravens likely jumped ahead because Baltimore’s 2026 first-round pick is 11 slots better than Chicago’s No. 25 overall pick.

The Raiders and Crosby, 28, had been at odds since fired head coach Pete Carroll decided to sit him late in the 2025 season when the fiery Pro Bowl talent argued he wasn’t hurt.

By reversing direction, the Ravens retained the No. 14 overall pick and their 2027 first-rounder promised in the handshake agreement.

The Raiders signed two edge rushers — Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye — but remain responsible for Crosby’s contract and the $35.7 million cap hit for 2026, per Spotrac. Las Vegas also signed Ravens free agent center Tyler Linderbaum.

–Field Level Media

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Raiders: Ravens ‘backed out’ of trade for star DE Maxx Crosby

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The Ravens’ big splash for Maxx Crosby is off.

The Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday that Baltimore has “backed out” of its reported trade for the star defensive end, abruptly negating what had been one of the biggest moves of the offseason.

“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the Raiders wrote on social media. “We will have no further comment at this time.”

The deal fell apart for medical reasons, according to the NFL Network, with reports indicating the Ravens were not comfortable assuming the risk associated with Crosby’s knee.

The trade was expected to send Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks (including the 14th overall pick this year), a significant return for a Raiders team in rebuilding mode and a rare, aggressive move from a Ravens club that has been seeking more disruption off the edge. Las Vegas also holds the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

Crosby’s health has been a topic of discussion for months. He finished last season playing through a knee injury before the Raiders shut him down with two games remaining, a decision that upset him enough to leave the team facility. Crosby had left knee surgery in early January and said the procedure was successful.

This latest surprise leaves both sides in the same position as before, just under a much brighter spotlight. Baltimore keeps its first-round picks and looks to the market for help with its pass rush. The Raiders hold on to their most recognizable yet disgruntled defensive player, despite a week of trade rumors pointing toward a new direction. Trades also can’t be finalized until the new league year begins Wednesday, but this one didn’t even reach that stage.

Crosby, 28, has been a Pro Bowl selection each of the past five seasons and was twice named a second-team All-Pro. He registered 10 sacks in 15 games for the Raiders last season and has 69.5 sacks in 110 career games (104 starts).

For now, the blockbuster is dead. Whether it remains that way, the Raiders seek another trade partner, or it becomes a renegotiation once everyone is comfortable with the medicals, is the next question.

–Field Level Media

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Ravens acquire DE Maxx Crosby from Raiders for 2 1st-round picks

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The Las Vegas Raiders are sending star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round draft picks, according to multiple media reports on Friday.

That draft haul includes the No. 14 pick in April’s NFL Draft — giving Las Vegas two top-14 picks along with its own No. 1 overall selection — and Baltimore’s 2027 first-round pick.

The deal can’t officially be completed until the 2026 NFL league year begins on March 11. However, it was reported a day after the one-year anniversary of Crosby signing a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Raiders.

Crosby, 28, has been selected for the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons and has received two second-team All-Pro honors. He has 69.5 career sacks, with at least seven sacks in each of his seven seasons with the Raiders, and also has 133 tackles for loss.

The standout pass rusher expressed frustration when he was placed on injured reserve with two games left in the 2025 season due to a reported knee injury. He reportedly left the facility that week before returning the following week.

In his seven seasons with the franchise, Crosby made the playoffs once, losing a 2021 wild-card game, while playing for five different head coaches.

In Baltimore, he’s a splash addition for new head coach Jesse Minter, who was previously the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens’ defense finished last season 24th in the league in total defense (allowing 354.5 yards per game) and tied for 30th in sacks (30), with no player recording more than five sacks.

–Field Level Media

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders GM keeping Maxx Crosby, eager to meet with Fernando Mendoza

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Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek is spinning a lot of plates at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where the franchise gets a first-hand look at 319 candidates to be the No. 1 pick in the draft.

The Raiders haven’t had the No. 1 pick since 2007 when they selected LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

What is Spytek looking for as the Raiders rebuild a roster that finished a league-worst 3-14 in 2026?

“All of it. We won three games last year,” Spytek said. “We’ve got to be super honest with where we’re at. We’ve got a lot of needs to address and a lot of capital to do it.”

Spytek shot down reports the Raiders are leaning toward trading 29-year-old defensive end Maxx Crosby. Crosby was disgruntled at the end of the regular season when the Raiders held him out because he was banged up. Crosby considered himself healthy.

After a coaching change with Klint Kubiak replacing Pete Carroll, Spytek said Tuesday he is confident Crosby will not be traded.

“I am. Maxx is an elite player and I’ve been very up front from the start when I got here. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players. Maxx and I have a great relationship. We talk all the time. We text, talk on the phone. He’s in the building everyday.”

The Raiders also are not “shopping” the No. 1 pick in the draft. But Spytek said he learned from his time with Howie Roseman in Philadelphia and Jason Licht in Tampa Bay that “you always listen.”

Without specifically naming Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Spytek said the Raiders are interested in quarterbacks who have “passion, humility and prepare for the game the right way.” He was in-person for multiple Indiana games in 2025 and attended the national championship game. NFL personnel is not allowed to talk to college players, so Spytek is interested in learning more about Mendoza and the other quarterbacks in the 2026 draft class.

“How they are going to handle the pressure of being 1 of 32 in the world,” Spytek said of the most critical evaluation of the position. “To us it’s about how much can they process, how hard do they work, how much do they remember.”

Spytek said he’s “not necessarily in favor of running out” a rookie quarterback right away. Having a veteran — Geno Smith is under contract, Kenny Pickett is a free agent — sounding board who might play ahead of the prized passer is a priority. He said the 18-minute formal interviews this week at the combine will be important to determine “leadership traits, humility” but later sessions with prospects are more vital in making his final decision.

He’s also willing to lean on minority owner Tom Brady, who is playing a significant role in shaping the rebuild of the Raiders.

“He’s the best ever to do it,” Spytek said. “Whoever is playing quarterback for the Raiders has a great opportunity to learn from Tom. Tom is a great resource for them.”

–Field Level Media

Pete Carroll: Raiders DE Maxx Crosby back at facility after IR dispute

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Raiders coach Pete Carroll told reporters Monday that the reported unrest between star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and the team surrounding him being shut down for the season has been resolved.

Carroll added that Crosby is back in the team facility after leaving last week when he was informed that the team would be shutting him down for the season due to his knee injury.

“We’re doing great,” Carroll said. “We’re eye-to-eye on what’s going on.”

After Crosby was informed on Friday he would not play in that week’s matchup of 2-13 teams against the New York Giants, he was formally placed on injured reserve Saturday, officially ending his season.

He’s going to require offseason surgery to repair the knee injury he’s played through this season, according to multiple media reports.

Crosby, 28, has evolved from fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to one of the league’s best pass-rushers. He had 10 sacks this season to bring his career tally to 69.5 over seven seasons with the Raiders.

Crosby was one of three Raiders starters placed on IR last week along with tight end Brock Bowers (knee) and safety Jeremy Chinn (back).

Las Vegas (2-14) lost the game to the Giants 34-10, moving into prime position for the No. 1 overall pick. The Raiders can clinch that spot with a loss to Kansas City on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Raiders place DE Maxx Crosby (knee) on injured reserve

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The Las Vegas Raiders placed Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby on injured reserve with a knee injury Saturday, ending his season one day after Crosby expressed frustration and left the team facility after being told he would not get to play in Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Crosby’s knee injury is serious enough that he requires knee surgery, according to an ESPN report.

“After deliberate and thorough consultation with multiple top medical professionals, it became clear that this decision is in the best interest of both the franchise and the player,” the Raiders said in a statement. “Maxx is the ultimate warrior, and he has fought extremely hard to compete each week with his teammates since injuring his knee mid-season. We are grateful for his extraordinary contributions. He is a true Raider on and off the field — we look forward to his leadership and toughness into 2026 and beyond.”

Crosby received his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod earlier this week. He has amassed 73 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and his first career interception in 15 games.

Overall, Crosby has 439 tackles, 69.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles in 110 games (104 starts) in seven seasons with the Raiders.

Sunday’s Raiders-Giants game is a matchup of 2-13 teams, with the loser taking pole position for the No. 1 pick in next April’s draft. Crosby is the third Raiders starter to be placed on IR this week, joining standout tight end Brock Bowers (knee) and safety Jeremy Chinn (back).

“Yeah, I don’t give a s- about the pick,” Crosby said earlier this week. “I don’t play for that. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. That’s what I focus on every day – and being a leader and a great influence.”

As a corresponding move, Las Vegas signed rookie defensive end Jahfari Harvey to the active roster for what would be his NFL debut. The Raiders also elevated running back Chris Collier and receiver Phillip Dorsett from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gestures as Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during the first quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Raiders star DE Maxx Crosby (knee) injured in loss to Chiefs

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Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby injured his left knee during the second quarter on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs and didn’t return to the field in Las Vegas’ 31-0 road loss.

Crosby injured his knee on a low block from Kansas City tight end Noah Gray in the second quarter. He also is dealing with a back injury.

Crosby had three tackles before exiting.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection has four sacks in seven games this season and 63.5 for his career.

–Field Level Media

Georgia Southern quarterback Shai Werts (4) is taken down by Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Maxx Crosby (92) during the Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. Georgia Southern defeated Eastern Michigan 23-21. Jc Camellia 31

Eastern Michigan tabs Raiders’ Maxx Crosby as assistant GM

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Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders became the first active NFL player to take an administrative position with an NCAA team, joining the Eastern Michigan football program as its assistant general manager on Monday, the university announced.

Crosby, 27, who starred at Eastern Michigan from 2016-18 and set the program record with 20 career sacks, will assist his alma mater in evaluating prospects, manage the NIL budget and assist the athletic director with alumni relations, student-athlete support and fundraising efforts.

“There is no place more important to my personal and athletic development than Eastern Michigan University,” Crosby said in a statement. “It truly is an honor for me to not only be named the Assistant GM of the EMU, but together with my wife Rachel, make another donation aimed at creating opportunities for other athletes to be impacted by the EMU program, community, students and alumni.”

Crosby, who along with his wife donated $1 million to Eastern Michigan’s football program in 2023, will match all donations to the football program made before the end up of May — up to $100,000 — as part of ” Maxx Match,” a fundraising challenge that he launched.

“Maxx Crosby’s return to EMU in this leadership role is a transformative moment for our football program,” athletic director Scott Wetherbee said in a release. “His passion, vision, and generosity are inspiring, and the Maxx Match is a powerful example of that. … With him on board, we’re building a better football program and a stronger future for EMU athletics.”

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension last month to become the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. The new leader is Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who landed a four-year, $160 million deal.

Crosby has 366 tackles and 59.5 career sacks in 95 games (89 starts) since the Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

He recorded a team-leading 7.5 sacks to go along with 45 tackles in 12 games (all starts) in 2024 before undergoing season-ending ankle surgery.

–Field Level Media

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons speaks to campers at the Micah Parsons Lions Den Football Camp at St. John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Report: Cowboys star Micah Parsons seeks $200M extension

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Cowboys All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons is seeking a $200 million contract extension, The Dallas Morning News reported.

That total would serve as the largest deal ever for a non-quarterback in NFL history.

Conversations between Parsons’ representation and members of the Cowboys’ front office were conducted at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February. It’s been quiet on the front since then, per the report.

Sizable contracts for non-quarterbacks are nothing new this offseason.

Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million deal, only to be trumped by Cleveland Browns standout defensive end Myles Garrett inking a four-year, $160 million. Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase reeled in a four-year, $161 million pact.

Those contracts are the largest in terms of annual average value for a non-quarterback.

Parsons, 25, recorded 12 sacks, 43 tackles and two forced fumbles in 13 games (all starts) last season.

A Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons in the league, Parsons has totaled 256 tackles (63 for loss), 112 quarterback hits, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 63 career games (all starts).

–Field Level Media