The Baltimore Ravens have pulled off a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Max Crosby.
The Raiders announced Tuesday night that the Ravens have backed out of a deal that was set to send the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks.
The deal was agreed last Friday but could not be finalized after the 28-year-old reportedly failed a medical.
Crosby underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and missed the final two games of the season due to the injury.
The addition of Crosby was expected to help lift the Ravens back into contention, and the draft pick was set to aid the Raiders’ rebuilding efforts.
Crosby recorded 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss last season and has reached double-digit sacks in four of his seven seasons.
Trading even a first-round pick for a veteran would have been out of character for Baltimore, which had taken bold steps to bounce back after finishing 8-9 last season.
The Ravens fired coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons and were prepared to give up a significant asset for Crosby. His anticipated arrival softened the blow of Monday’s free agent move.
Baltimore’s Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum has agreed to a contract with the Raiders. Tight end Isaiah Likely, punter Jordan Stout and safety Ar’Darius Washington signed deals to follow Harbaugh to the New York Giants.
Other departures included pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones. Looks expendable with Crosby along the way.
Baltimore now enters the season with first-year coach Jesse Minter and is in winning mode with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Crosby would have been a huge help to a defense that ranked tied for 28th in sacks last season with just 30.
Once the trade closes, the Ravens will probably change direction. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson remains available, but missed seven games last season due to injury.
