LAS VEGAS — The “Condor” isn’t leaving the desert. Just one week after a blockbuster deal reportedly sent Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, the trade has officially been nixed. Crosby is back in the Raiders facility, and according to league insiders, he is ready to double down on his commitment to the Silver and Black.
Inside the Failed Deal and Crosby’s Value
The NFL world stood still when news broke that the Raiders had agreed to trade their five-time Pro Bowler to Baltimore for two first-round picks. However, the deal hit a wall during the physical process. Now, the Raiders find themselves in a unique position with their franchise player. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on his Wednesday podcast that while trade calls might still come in, the momentum has shifted entirely toward Crosby staying in Las Vegas.
The market has cooled. Schefter suggested that if the Raiders tried to move Crosby today, they might only get 80 cents on the dollar compared to the initial haul. The leverage has changed, but for the Raiders, that might be exactly what they wanted. Crosby has publicly expressed his desire to remain a Raider, essentially “renewing his vows” with the organization that drafted him.
The Raiders aren’t the same team they were six months ago. With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, they are the favorites to land Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Pairing a generational quarterback prospect with a defense led by a rejuvenated Crosby has the front office feeling more optimistic than they have in years.
“I wasn’t supposed to be in Baltimore and that’s it. I’m meant to be a Raider. It’s through my core and that’s it. I just feel like storms happen, and I’m healthy, I’m crushing my rehab, and I’m ready to go.”
— Maxx Crosby, Raiders Defensive End
New Era in Las Vegas
New head coach Klint Kubiak has a massive war chest to work with this spring. Beyond the top pick, the Raiders have been aggressive in free agency, landing All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum and linebacker Nakobe Dean. The team is finally putting high-level talent around Crosby, which played a major role in his change of heart regarding a trade request.
Vegas currently holds over $90 million in cap space. They have the resources to surround Mendoza with a top-tier offensive line and weapons like Brock Bowers. If the defense holds its form under the current scheme, the Raiders could jump from the bottom of the AFC West to a playoff contender faster than anyone anticipated. For now, the drama is over: Maxx Crosby is staying home.
