Just days ago, Maxx Crosby appeared to close the chapter on his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. In an emotional 13-minute video, he reflected on the journey that spanned more than half a decade: the highs, the struggles, and the passion he poured into the organization. It was supposed to be the final time he addressed Las Vegas before making his way to Baltimore. But something changed soon after. The very video that was meant to be bid farewell has since disappeared from his social media accounts.

It was taken down for a good reason. In a strange twist of events, the deal the Raiders struck with the Ravens fell through. NFL insiders have revealed why.

“Maxx Crosby did not pass his physical today, per sources,” reported The Athletic’s senior writer Dianna Russini. “The Ravens get their first-round picks back.”

Here’s what happened: The Raiders, and the Ravens had agreed to a trade for Crosby, but like every deal in the NFL, it still needed to clear one final step: the physical. Crosby was recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, an injury that wasn’t expected to affect his availability for the upcoming season. However, after he failed the physical, the trade was ultimately called off, and the Raiders were quick to issue a statement on Tuesday.

“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby. We will have no further comment at this time,” the team wrote, and soon, Crosby’s agent, CJ LaBoy, also commented on the issue.

“Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery, and if anything is ahead of schedule, according to his surgeon Dr Neal El Attrache,” he wrote on X. “Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons.”

Unfortunately, the NFL doesn’t have a universal standard for how a physical examination is evaluated. Each franchise reviews the results independently, with team decision-makers working alongside medical staff to interpret the findings and assess any potential health risks before making a final determination. And while a physical test is almost always a formality, there have been several instances in recent years where teams have canceled deals over injury concerns. So, what’s ahead for Las Vegas and Crosby?

Sources say the Raiders have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday to evaluate their options regarding Maxx Crosby. At this stage, the organization’s leadership is leaning toward focusing on his recovery and keeping him on the roster. If that’s their next step, they need to be ready to say goodbye to the $30 million in cap space. That said, interest around the league has already surfaced, with several teams contacting the Raiders to check on Crosby’s availability in a trade.

Currently, it is unclear whether or not a deal can be renegotiated between the Raiders and the Ravens. Things get even worse for the Las Vegas team because of all the money it committed to free agents.

Using the most salary-cap space in the league, they made a major splash in free agency by agreeing to a three-year, $81 million deal with three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, which includes $60 million guaranteed. They also focused heavily on bolstering their defense, reaching agreements with linebackers Quay Walker (three years, $40.5 million) and Nakobe Dean (three years, $36 million), along with edge rusher Kwity Paye on a three-year, $48 million contract. So, the team will have to get creative if they want to trade Crosby.

Sources suggest that Las Vegas is open to repackaging a Crosby trade. However, it is not rare for such deals to fall through. For instance, back in 2018, the Ravens voided a four-year, $29 million agreement with wide receiver Ryan Grant after he failed the physical due to an ankle issue.

So, while the Crosby problem is a similar one, there are teams that could take advantage of it.

Baltimore Ravens’ tough call on Maxx Crosby reopens chances for others

With the deal between Las Vegas and Baltimore falling apart, the Cincinnati Bengals might try their luck on Crosby. And if this chase materializes, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will be the happiest. After all, he got really upset when the news broke that Crosby was going to the Ravens.

“Joe just f—ing texted me,” he said during a livestream. “Ravens traded for Maxx Crosby. No f—ing s—. I’m f—ing highly p—ed right now. Oh my God.”

While courting Crosby, Baltimore edged out the Dallas Cowboys, who were reportedly ready to part with both a first- and second-rounder for the star pass rusher. So, it’s obvious that they might now try their luck, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. But some sources suggest that the Cowboys aren’t expected to pursue him once again, simply because it will be hard to retrace their recent acquisitions.

Regardless, if Dallas decides to pursue him once again, they might have to proceed with caution. With injuries already haunting the Cowboys in recent seasons, mortgaging major draft picks on a player who may not even be available during OTAs and minicamp to learn defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme would be a risky move. It’s time to see how soon Crosby finds a new NFL home.