Tom Brady’s minority ownership era with the Las Vegas Raiders has already faced plenty of turbulence. The latest development could cost the franchise $30 million in salary cap space while also creating uncertainty around the future of one of its biggest stars. Tom Brady also apparently blocked Crossby’s trade to the Patriots.
The Raiders appeared set to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens before the deal collapsed at the last moment. The setback not only disrupted the franchise’s plans but also forced Las Vegas to absorb Crosby’s massive 2026 salary, complicating the team’s financial outlook.
According to Dianna Russin, the Ravens reportedly backed out after Crosby failed a physical during the final stage of the trade process. The surprising development immediately halted what had seemed like a done deal between the two franchises.
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Failed Trade Leaves Raiders With A $30 million Problem
Russini explained the situation in a report detailing why Baltimore ultimately walked away from the blockbuster move. “After Crosby underwent testing today at the Ravens’ facility, Baltimore made the decision as an organization that it could not move forward with the deal based on the results of the medical,” Russini reported. “Crosby will remain a Raider for now as other teams can weigh any potential risk that comes with trading for him.”
The financial implications quickly became clear once the trade collapsed. With Crosby returning to the roster, Las Vegas must once again account for his massive contract. Salary cap analyst Michael Ginnitti noted that the Raiders effectively lost $30 million in cap flexibility as a result of the failed deal. Crosby is scheduled to earn a base salary of $30 million in 2026, meaning the team must now carry that number unless another trade materializes.
Such a situation creates a major headache for a franchise trying to reshape its roster. Teams typically clear cap space through trades involving high-priced veterans, especially when entering a transition period. Losing the opportunity to move Crosby’s contract complicates those plans significantly.
The development also puts pressure on the Raiders’ front office as they evaluate their next move. Crosby remains one of the most valuable pass rushers in the league, which means other teams will likely examine whether the medical concerns that scared off Baltimore present a real long-term risk. So, this can reduce Crosby’s value in a future trade as well, which is way worse for him.
The failed physical immediately triggered speculation across the league about what exactly went wrong. Crosby is currently recovering from injury, which made the Ravens’ decision even more intriguing to some observers. NFL reporter Jane Slater shared insight from an unnamed general manager who questioned whether the medical evaluation alone explained Baltimore’s decision.
“He was never gonna ‘pass’ a physical … based on where he is in recovery,” the executive said, according to Slater. “Something else had to lead to the decision. Do they think he is too far behind in rehab? Don’t like the images of recovery? ..or something else potentially.”
The comments added another layer of uncertainty to Crosby’s situation. Teams often structure trades around players recovering from injuries, especially when elite talent is involved. That reality has led some around the league to believe additional concerns may have played a role in Baltimore’s choice.
Published: Mar 11, 2026 01:30 pm