SouthernWorldwide.com – Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has stated that he has moved past the failed trade attempt with the Baltimore Ravens in March, focusing instead on preparing for the upcoming season with his current team.
“It’s water under the bridge,” Crosby commented to Las Vegas reporters, marking his first public statement on the matter. He acknowledged that the situation offered him insights into the complexities of the league and the unexpected challenges that can arise.
Crosby emphasized his commitment to the Raiders, stating, “I’m here and I want to be here and I’m excited to be here. I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
The Raiders had initially agreed to trade Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks on March 6. However, Baltimore rescinded the deal four days later, just prior to the official start of the new NFL year when such transactions can be finalized.
A source familiar with Baltimore’s decision informed The Associated Press at the time that Crosby did not pass his physical examination. This individual requested anonymity due to the private nature of medical results.
“Everyone knows my love and appreciation for this organization,” Crosby affirmed. He was originally drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. “That never will change. (The trade is) part of the business.”
Crosby underwent surgery in January to address a torn meniscus in his left knee. This injury caused him to miss the final two games of the season, despite his desire to continue playing through the pain.
Despite still being in his recovery phase, Crosby has been present with the team during stretching drills at organized team activities. He then departs to focus on his rehabilitation within the Raiders’ facility.
Head Coach Klint Kubiak has expressed his expectation that Crosby will be fully ready for training camp, scheduled to commence in late July.
“This has been a long road to recovery,” Crosby shared. He described it as his most challenging rehabilitation yet, but also the most effective, even though he hasn’t reached the end of the process.
Crosby is nearing a full return, and his primary challenge now is managing his eagerness to get back on the field. He noted, “I need to relax a little bit. That’s kind of been the biggest battle right now because I’m almost back to being out there.”
The Raiders’ ability to retain Crosby came after General Manager John Spytek invested nearly $300 million in eight free agents. This included a significant three-year, $81 million contract for Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, with $60 million guaranteed, which set a new record for an interior offensive lineman.
Las Vegas maintained sufficient salary cap flexibility even with Crosby back on the roster. The team entered free agency with approximately $112 million in salary cap space, according to overthecap.com.
In March 2025, the Raiders signed Crosby to a three-year contract extension valued at $106.5 million, with $91.5 million guaranteed. This deal is set to keep him with the team through the 2029 season, and at the time of signing, it made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Crosby, who will turn 29 in August, recorded 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss last season. He has achieved double-digit sack totals in four of his seven seasons.
He is currently adapting to a new defensive scheme under first-year defensive coordinator Rob Leonard. The team is transitioning from a base 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 defense. Crosby has been working closely with Leonard, who previously served as the Raiders’ defensive line coach for the last three seasons.
“Probably the biggest reason I came here was an opportunity to coach him,” Leonard stated. He expressed his enthusiasm for assisting Crosby in achieving his personal goals, as well as contributing to the success of the defense and the organization.
Leonard added, “I just think how much he’s given and sacrificed for this place. To help make something we’re all proud of would be really cool.”
