NFL executive shares harsh truth for Raiders after Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade

Multiple NFL general managers and executives have made it known that they are not buying that the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their agreement to acquire star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders for two first-round draft picks because Crosby failed his physical. 

The Raiders reportedly "are listening" to other teams regarding potential offers for Crosby. While speaking with NFL insider Michael Silver of The Athletic, one unnamed "high-ranking executive for a team that previously talked to the Raiders about potentially acquiring Crosby" delivered somewhat of a reality check to Las Vegas general manager John Spytek about the Crosby situation that's become much more complicated for the franchise. 

Raiders in "really bad" spot after Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade

"I don’t know what they do now," the executive said about the Raiders. "I don’t know how they walk it back. There’s no way to spin it positively. This is really bad for them." 

A recent report shared that Crosby "quietly" requested a trade after the 2025 season ended. His relationship with the club was seemingly damaged beyond repair after he was shut down in late December against his wishes due to an injury that left him needing a meniscus repair and presumably caused him to fail his physical with the Ravens. 

It's unknown if acquisitions made by the Raiders that are expected to become official when the new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday could change Crosby's mind about possibly staying with the club. Crosby's feelings on the Raiders likely making Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft are also a mystery to outsiders. 

Raiders could still attempt to trade Maxx Crosby, but...

On Wednesday morning, Dr. Neal El Attrache said that Crosby "is doing very well in the early part of his rehab" and "is certainly on track in his planned program." Nevertheless, the executive who spoke with Silver said the Raiders now "won’t get two" first-round draft picks from a different club in return for Crosby's services. 

Instead, Las Vegas may have to accept a future first-round choice that becomes a third-rounder if Crosby misses significant time down the road due to a knee-related setback.