Key New Details Emerge in Nixed Maxx Crosby Trade
There has been a lot of conjecture surrounding the Ravens' trade for Maxx Crosby falling through, but a new report from ESPN’s Ryan McFadden shed light on the situation.
According to McFadden, the reason the Ravens decided not to proceed with the deal (two first-round picks in exchange for Crosby) after Crosby had an MRI at the team's facility on March 10 was due to concern over the discovery of a degenerative issue in his surgically repaired knee.
"In addition to their own doctors, the Ravens had a handful of doctors outside the organization weigh in on Crosby's knee, including Dan Cooper, a renowned knee specialist and the Cowboys' team doctor," McFadden wrote. "In the past, Dallas has leaned on Cooper's expertise in making decisions such as drafting Jaylon Smith in the second round in 2016, despite torn ligaments and nerve damage, and drafting Shavon Revel Jr. last year in the third round despite a torn ACL.
"But Cooper was not the primary voice in determining whether Baltimore should back out of the deal. The consensus was that Crosby would be able to play in 2026. The Ravens' concern centered on the uncertainty of Crosby's durability after a couple of seasons in Baltimore because of a degenerative issue in his knee, a source told ESPN."
McFadden provided further context during an appearance on “Glenn Clark Radio.”
"If the Ravens looked at the situation and said, 'Hey, after doing our evaluation, we think the state of your knee is not worth two first-round picks.' It wasn't set in stone," McFadden said. "As crazy as everything played out, the Ravens had [every] right to make the decision to nix the deal."
McFadden said the Cowboys, who had made escalating offers for Crosby before the Ravens met the Raiders' asking price, contemplated taking another shot at landing Crosby after the trade fell through (and their doctor was consulted), but have not done so.
"Although the Cowboys did not 100% close the door on a Crosby trade, a source said they were not reengaging in talks," McFadden wrote.
On a side note, McFadden noted in his article that Crosby said on his podcast that he had been at the Ravens' facility for five hours before he met Head Coach Jesse Minter and General Manager Eric DeCosta.
However, the following addendum to the article disputed Crosby's recollection:
"After this story was published, a source indicated Minter and other defensive coaches met with Crosby within minutes of him walking into the team facility. DeCosta, who was trying to keep his own free agents and sign others on the first day of the legal tampering period, met with Crosby later that afternoon."
Ravens Land in Bottom 10 of ESPN's Free-Agency Rankings
The consensus of pundits is that the Ravens are among the winners of free agency at this point in the offseason. ESPN’s Ben Solak doesn't share that opinion.
Solak ranked all 32 teams free-agency performances based on signings, re-signings, trade acquisitions, and departed talent. The Ravens came in at No. 23.
Unlike the majority of pundits, Solak was not a fan of the Ravens signing pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year deal reportedly worth $112 million.
"The Ravens are paying tippy-tippy-top of the market for a designated pass rusher in Hendrickson," Solak wrote. "Among 325 edge rusher seasons over the past three years, Hendrickson's run stop win rates rank 274th, 300th and 302nd. New Ravens coach Jesse Minter is coming from Los Angeles, where premier run-defending edges Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack made his light boxes a lot more viable.
"Hendrickson will alleviate the Ravens' pass rusher problem, which has been a big issue for years -- but I'm not sure he's an every-down player, and Minter will need to scheme around him in a way Crosby would not have demanded."
On the flip side, Solak loved the Ravens reuniting with veteran guard John Simpson, who signed a three-year deal reportedly worth $30 million.
"Simpson takes Daniel Faalele's vacant right guard spot while Emery Jones Jr. fights Andrew Vorhees for the left spot," Solak wrote. "The Ravens still need an early draft pick on the interior to account for Tyler Linderbaum's departure, but they're on the path to resuscitating their O-line."
Pundit Says Ravens Should Seek Trade for Packers Wide Receiver
The Ravens have been linked to several wide receivers in free agency and the draft, but they also could look to acquire a receiver via trade.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton said the Ravens should try to trade for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks.
"At 6'1", 206 pounds, Wicks can be the big-bodied X-receiver in the Ravens offense who's a threat in the red zone," Moton wrote. "In his first two seasons, he caught nine touchdown passes while on the field for less than 55 percent of the Packers' offensive snaps."
The 24-year-old Wicks, a 2023 fifth-round pick, is part of a crowded wide receivers room in Green Bay. His most productive season was his rookie year, when he had 39 catches for 581 yards and four touchdowns.
"Wicks has shown he can exceed the expectations of a Day 3 draft pick with limited opportunities in the passing game," Moton wrote. "However, unless the Packers trade one of the other receivers, he won't reach his full potential with them."
No News on Free Agent Tight End David Njoku
Free agent tight end David Njoku reportedly visited the Ravens last week, but there is nothing new regarding his status, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reported.
"There have been no developments in his market or speculation of interest from other teams for one of the most accomplished free agents available," Zrebiec wrote. "Unless the holdup is health, you'd think there would be a bit more urgency for Njoku to sign over the next four weeks than some of the other free agents. This year's tight end draft class is highly regarded. The Athletic's Dane Brugler recently predicted that there will be undrafted free agents who are capable of contributing as rookies.
"Anybody who wants to come out of the draft with a tight end or two will be able to get one. It's hard to imagine there will be more money available for a veteran tight end in May than there is now."
The Ravens lost tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Njoku would give the Ravens another hybrid threat at tight end, along with three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews. Baltimore signed blocking tight end Durham Smythe in free agency two weeks ago.
Ravens Predicted to Return to Playoffs in 2026
The Ravens missed the playoffs for just the second time in eight seasons last year, but Fox Sports’ Eric Williams expects a return to form.
Baltimore was among five non-playoff teams Williams believes have the best chance of reaching the postseason in 2026.
"For a team that focuses on drafting and developing players, the Ravens have 11 selections in this year's draft, giving Minter the ability to add young prospects who can help the Ravens for the upcoming season on both sides of the ball," Williams wrote. "Continuing to build around [quarterback Lamar Jackson] remains the top priority for DeCosta and Minter as Baltimore chases another Lombardi trophy."
