The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders were reportedly close to completing one of the biggest trades of the 2026 NFL offseason, sending star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for multiple high draft picks.
However, the deal collapsed at the last minute, raising questions across the league: How did the Ravens turn down the trade, and has something like this ever happened before in NFL history?
Here is what happened and why trades sometimes fall apart even after they appear to be finalized.
Why the Ravens Did Not Complete the Maxx Crosby Trade
Reports indicated that the Raiders and Ravens agreed in principle to a blockbuster trade that would have sent Crosby to Baltimore for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027).
But before any NFL trade becomes official, the acquiring team must complete several final steps, including:
- A medical evaluation (physical) of the player
- Final contract logistics
- Official league approval
According to multiple reports, Crosby did not pass the Ravens’ medical review due to concerns related to his knee following surgery. Because of those medical concerns, Baltimore exercised its right to void the trade before it became official.
Shortly after backing out of the deal, the Ravens pivoted and reportedly signed veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to strengthen their defensive front.
Are Teams Allowed to Cancel Trades?
Yes. In the NFL, a trade is not official until the player passes a physical and the paperwork is submitted to the league.
If a team believes the player’s health poses a risk, it can cancel or renegotiate the deal before it is finalized. While uncommon, this rule exists specifically to protect teams from taking on long-term injury liabilities.
Because of this process, some trades that are reported as “agreed to” can still collapse before becoming official.
Has a Trade Ever Fallen Apart Like This Before?
Although rare, similar situations have occurred in the NFL.
Antonio Brown Trade to the Buffalo Bills (2019)
One of the most famous examples happened in 2019, when the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly agreed to trade Antonio Brown to the Buffalo Bills.
The deal fell apart after Brown publicly expressed that he did not want to play in Buffalo. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders instead.
Trades Voided After Failed Physicals
Across professional sports, trades have occasionally been canceled after medical examinations revealed injury concerns.
Teams often rely heavily on these physicals because major trades can involve:
- Multiple draft picks
- Large contract commitments
- Long-term roster planning
If the medical evaluation raises enough concern, the team may decide to void the agreement entirely.
Why the Maxx Crosby Trade Collapse Was So Surprising
The Ravens backing out of the Crosby deal drew major attention for several reasons:
- The size of the trade – Two first-round picks is a massive return.
- Crosby’s status as an elite pass rusher in the NFL.
- How late the decision occurred during the offseason trade process.
- Public reporting of the agreement before the deal was finalized.
Because of those factors, the situation became one of the most talked-about trade collapses of the 2026 NFL offseason.
What Happens Next for the Raiders and Ravens?
For the Raiders, Maxx Crosby remains one of the franchise’s cornerstone defensive players and could continue leading their pass rush in 2026.
For the Ravens, pivoting to another pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson shows the team remains focused on strengthening its defense as it prepares for another playoff push.
Final Thoughts
While the Ravens reportedly backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade shocked many fans, the situation highlights how NFL trades are never official until every step of the process is complete.
Failed physicals, contract concerns, or player objections can all derail a deal at the last minute. Though rare, these situations remind fans that even blockbuster trades can collapse before becoming official.
In this case, the Ravens simply exercised a standard league safeguard — one that has shaped several “almost trades” throughout NFL history.