NFL: Raiders - Ravens 'backed out' of trade for star DE Maxx Crosby

The Baltimore Ravens’ pursuit of star defensive end Maxx Crosby is over — at least for now.

The Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday that Baltimore has “backed out” of the reported trade, abruptly ending what had been one of the biggest offseason moves.

“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the Raiders wrote on social media. “We will have no further comment at this time.”

According to NFL Network reports, the deal collapsed due to medical concerns, with the Ravens reportedly uncomfortable with the risks tied to Crosby’s knee.

The trade would have sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks, including the 14th overall pick this year. It was expected to be a major return for a Raiders team in rebuilding mode and a bold move for a Ravens club looking to strengthen its pass rush. Las Vegas also holds the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

Crosby’s health has been a concern for months. He finished last season playing through a knee injury before the Raiders shut him down with two games remaining, a decision that frustrated him enough to leave the team facility. Crosby underwent left knee surgery in early January and later confirmed the procedure was successful.

With the trade off the table, both teams are back to square one. Baltimore retains its first-round picks and will look elsewhere to bolster its pass rush, while the Raiders keep their most high-profile — yet reportedly disgruntled — defensive player. Trades could not be finalized until the new league year begins Wednesday, but this deal never even reached that stage.

Crosby, 28, has been a Pro Bowl selection for five consecutive seasons and was twice named a second-team All-Pro. He recorded 10 sacks in 15 games last season and has 69.5 sacks over 110 career games (104 starts).

For now, the blockbuster trade is dead. Whether it remains that way, finds a new trade partner, or is renegotiated once medical concerns are addressed remains to be seen.

—Field Level Media/Reuters