Maxx Crosby recently opened up about the unexpected events surrounding his potential trade from the Raiders to the Ravens. Initially, discussions were promising, with the Ravens expressing interest in acquiring Crosby. However, the trade ultimately fell through just days before it was set to be finalized at the beginning of the new league year. Reports later indicated that Crosby failed to pass his physical examination with the Ravens, prompting the team to withdraw from the deal.
“That situation was probably one of the most unique, crazy, wild, up-and-down rollercoasters I”ve ever been a part of,” Crosby remarked, reflecting on the tumultuous experience. He explained that he was preparing to leave his home when he received a call from Raiders general manager John Spytek and his agent, C.J. LaBoy. LaBoy had earlier informed Crosby that the Ravens were prepared to offer two first-round picks. The call confirmed that he would be traded to Baltimore, a moment that left Crosby in disbelief.
“You hear the rumors, you hear everything going on. You have this thought of “Maybe I”m getting traded.” And then it happens, and you”re like, “holy s— this is real.” You can”t really prepare yourself for that. I”ve been with the Raiders my whole career. I love being a Raider, everyone knows that,” Crosby stated, capturing the mix of emotions he felt at that moment.
After the announcement, Crosby traveled to Baltimore the following Monday. He met with coaches and players before undergoing medical scans and MRIs. However, he didn”t meet Ravens head coach Jesse Minter and general manager Eric DeCosta until the end of the day. Crosby sensed something was amiss when he noticed a strange energy in the building.
“I”m so excited, fired-up, this is a new opportunity. You could just tell the energy was off. I dapped up and he had a blank face,” Crosby recounted. Initially dismissing it as a matter of personality differences, he later learned that the Ravens had concerns regarding his knee. “One of our doctors has concerns with the results, with your knee. Some of them are concerned about the future. We really want you. We”re just gonna have to get more and more opinions,” they informed him.
Crosby then consulted with his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who reassured him about his knee”s condition, indicating that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery. However, shortly after that conversation, Crosby”s agent informed him that the Ravens were backing out of the trade, despite earlier claims that they were still trying to sort things out. Subsequently, arrangements were made for Crosby to return to Las Vegas and rejoin the Raiders.
In retrospect, Crosby acknowledged the unpredictability of the situation, stating, “Nobody on earth could have predicted that,” but he also expressed his belief that everything happens for a reason. He mentioned that upon arriving in Baltimore, he noticed that every news channel was buzzing about the Raiders” activities in free agency, highlighting their recent signings. Ultimately, Crosby is now focused on contributing to the vision the Raiders are building.
“Everyone”s got their own conspiracy theory. No one will ever admit what the real truth is. Ultimately, it doesn”t matter,” Crosby concluded. “I am where I”m supposed to be. I know that.”
