What caused Maxx Crosby trade collapse and what it means for the Ravens and Raiders

For a moment there, Maxx Crosby appeared destined to be traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks.

Then, remarkably, the trade stalled out before it could become official, and the whole thing unravelled before it could be signed off.

Here, we break down what happened, where it leaves both teams, and what could happen next.

Why did Maxx Crosby trade deal fall through?

The issue, according to reports, appears to have surfaced during the routine medical process that precedes every NFL trade.

Deals are never finalised until a player passes a physical with his new team, and the Ravens evidently saw something that made them uneasy.

While the precise concern from the physical has not been disclosed, it likely stems from the surgery Crosby underwent in January.

The star pass rusher had a torn meniscus repaired, and the recovery process was still ongoing.

In response, Crosby's agent, CJ LaBoy, shared a statement on X, insisting there was no cause for alarm.

Maxx Crosby fallout for Baltimore and Las Vegas

Baltimore pivoted quickly, signing Trey Hendrickson in a blockbuster deal to give them the elite edge rusher they so desperately craved.

Las Vegas had been one of the most aggressive teams at the start of free agency, committing large deals to several players. Those moves were made partly with the expectation that Crosby’s contract would soon be off the books.

The biggest acquisition saw the Raiders bring in three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.

They also poured resources into linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, edge rushers Kwity Paye and Malcolm Koonce, cornerback Eric Stokes, and wide receiver Jalen Nailor.

With the Crosby trade not going through, the Raiders must ensure all those agreements still fit within the salary cap before the new league year begins.

Reports suggest the Las Vegas are committed to moving forward with each of the offers they have made in free agency.

Per Over The Cap, the Raiders are left with $37.9 million in cap space.

Maxx Crosby - what happens next?

The immediate reality is simple: Crosby is still a Raider and the Ravens are no longer in the picture after signing Hendrickson. But the story might not end there.

Las Vegas could listen to offers from other teams, and with up to five other teams reportedly interested in spending heavily on a top-tier edge rusher, Crosby’s potential suitors could make their move soon.

The 28-year-old could still remain in Nevada, but after both sides seemed ready to move on, rekindling the relationship may prove awkward.

Watch this space for further developments.