Maxx Crosby was at the heart of the biggest story of the offseason when his trade to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off free agency with a mega-trade for Maxx Crosby, agreeing to hand over two first round picks.

48 hours later the deal collapsed, with the Ravens citing a ‘failed physical’. Crosby remains with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Baltimore struck a move to sign Trey Hendrickson instead.

Trade rumors persist over Maxx Crosby’s future, while the defensive end is just trying to take it all in his stride.

Here is a look at Crosby’s comments since the trade to Baltimore collapsed.

The first reaction

Maxx Crosby broke the silence on his failed trade to Baltimore, commenting on his own aptly-named podcast The Rush.

He hinted there was more to the situation than met the eye, but hinted that he was going to give Vegas his full attention.

Crosby said: “No one will ever admit what the real truth is. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. I am where I’m supposed to be.”

Stunned and confused

Crosby explained on his podcast how he was in Baltimore at the time the news broke that the deal was not going ahead, and he was desperate to leave as soon as he heard.

“The first thought in my head, I was terrified. It just kind of hit me, like, what the [expletive]? Is there something wrong? I’m freaking out. Lowkey and deep down, I’m like, I can’t get another surgery

“I’m frozen. I’m like, ‘What the [expletive],” Crosby said. “I’m [expletive] livid, confused, the whole nine all in one…. I’m trying to get out of here.’”

Moving on

Crosby has been at the Raiders OTAs and he was asked about the Ravens when he spoke to the media pack. He made clear that he was not keen to discuss it.

“I don’t really want to talk about that, to be honest. It’s water under the bridge, that’s a long time ago.”

A different offseason

Crosby was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and has stayed loyal to the franchise during his career, despite plenty of change. He has admitted that this offseason is unlike any other that he has experienced.

The edge rusher recently told reporters that he has been trying to find a way to turn the chaos into a positive.

He said: “Every year is a different journey. There’s no secret, it’s been a different offseason to say the least.

“Honestly, it’s been a blessing in disguise. I’ve had the chance to grow in a lot of ways.”

Physical improvement

Part of the confusion around the failed physical with Baltimore is that there was no surgery required and Crosby is fully healthy entering the new season.

He has explained that he feels ‘incredible’ and has been aiming to return stronger than ever.

Crosby told SI: “For me, this offseason, I wanted to pack a little bit more of a punch as far as the weight room and strength and hitting the trap bar, and doing certain things, putting a little bit more muscle on.

“I think it’ll help, just physically, staying healthy. In general, improve my game, and that’s something we’ve really worked on, and I feel incredible.”

Maxx Crosby has been an opposing quarterback’s nightmare ever since he entered the NFL, and was named by Patrick Mahomes as the best he had ever faced. His best season came in 2023 when he delivered 14.5 sacks.

He has still produced 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and it won’t be a surprise to see him exceed last season’s figure, and make a mockery of the Ravens’ health concerns.

The only disappointment is that the Raiders don’t have a game with the Ravens on their schedule.