Maxx Crosby issues defiant statement on failed Ravens trade as $112million replacement unveiled to fans
Maxx Crosby isn’t letting his aborted dream trade to the Baltimore Ravens get him down.
The gifted pass-rusher was leaving a rebuilding franchise for a contender in exchange for two first-round picks until a failed physical saw the move annulled.
Las Vegas quickly insisted they were delighted to have Crosby around despite spending a league-high $280 million in free agency.
The 28-year-old, who always maintained his desire to retire a Raider, reaffirmed his commitment to the Silver and Black Wednesday.
Now, former teammate Gerald McCoy has told AFC West quarterbacks that they’d better watch their backs.
“I am going to be 200 percent by training camp, and the world is going to get the best version of 98,” NFL Network’s McCoy revealed that Crosby told him.
The defensive tackle also told the Raiders rivals the Baltimore had “woke up a sleeping giant.”
Crosby was already one of the NFL’s best and reported for rehab on his season-ending knee injury at 6 am the day after his trade fell through.
The Ravens have been accused of using the physical as an excuse to pull the plug — an argument that gained weight when Trey Hendrickson arrived in a $112 million deal the next day.
“One of the things that stood out to me, since 2021, Trey is second in the NFL in fourth-quarter sacks,” head coach Jesse Minter said to unveil the signing. “When we talk about being able to have a closer mentality and finish games and dominate the fourth quarter, Trey is the epitome of that.”
Trey Hendrickson could be Ravens’ missing piece
Hendrickson is also feeling extra motivated after escaping a dysfunctional Cincinnati Bengals that failed to pay him long term despite only Myles Garrett topping his production.
“I’m excited to go to OTAs, I’m excited to go to training camp,” he said. “I’m a football player. I like my hand in the dirt.
“I like the smell of the grass. I like my cleats sweating when I come in from a hard training camp practice.
“That’s what I built my brand on. Going against a guy like Ronnie Stanley.
“Can you believe what we can do if we sharpen each other for Game 1? That’s what I’m excited for.”
Hendrickson will get two cracks at the Bengals and former teammate Joe Burrow in 2026.
But Crosby will not have the chance to show the Ravens what they missed out on unless both teams make the playoffs.
The Raiders invested heavily on defense and with their sack machine sticking around will be a much improved unit if he is healthy.
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Work needs to be done on the other side of the ball, however, and incoming coach Klint Kubiak will likely address some glaring holes in the draft.
Fernando Mendoza is the presumed No. 1 pick with Las Vegas already on the clock.
The Indiana quarterback will benefit from center Tyler Linderbaum’s arrival from Baltimore in an $81 million deal, but the offensive line still needs work.
Jalen Nailor arrived in free agency to bolster the receiving corps, another area where rookies may be used to add depth.
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