標籤: Ravens

A new report suggests that the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens may be on the verge of acquiring the two multi-time Pro Bowl receivers still available in NFL free agency.

The 2025 season brought something football fans are not used to. losing seasons to the league’s dynasty team, the Chiefs, and perennial playoff contenders, the Ravens. Both franchises were hit by serious injuries and surprisingly disappointing play. However, a pair of AFC teams feel they have made changes this offseason that will get them back to Super Bowl contention in 2026.

However, they still have one glaring position on the roster that could provide some help: the wide receiver core. There are still some interesting veteran options on the market, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the pair of AFC powerhouses are likely candidates to pick one of them.

“You have Keenan Allen, you have Stefon Diggs, you have Tyreek Hill, and you have a lot of teams that need help,” Fowler said on Saturday’s edition of ESPN. sports center. “The Kansas City Chiefs are a little thin at receiver. The Baltimore Ravens are also a little thin.”

Why are Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs still in free agency?

Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler who was among the star veterans cut by the Miami Dolphins this offseason as part of their new regime’s downsizing strategy. In 2024, he had his first season with less than 1,000 yards receiving and played only four games in 2025 after tearing his ACL.

Diggs had a comeback season as the No. 1 receiver for the AFC champion New England Patriots. Posting a distance of 1,013 yards. He also had a torn ACL, but that came two years ago. However, he has built a reputation for causing drama on and off the field.

Hill has a similar reputation, which is why the 30-something duo remains in free agency. There has been much speculation throughout the offseason about a reunion with the Chiefs and Hill. In Kansas City, Hill became one of the top pass catchers in the game and earned his six Pro Bowl honors there.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report of the opinions of executives around the NFL suggests that the Baltimore Ravens should prepare for more Lamar Jackson contract drama if he continues to perform at his current level over the next two seasons.

After being the last pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has been better than the Ravens imagined. After showing his potential in six starts during his rookie season, he would emerge as one of the best players at the game’s most important position in the years to come.

Since 2019, Jackson has earned Pro Bowl honors four times, is a three-time All-Pro, and is a two-time NFL MVP. The dual-threat QB is already the best signal caller in Ravens history, and that’s why he got a massive five-year, $260 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. Still, to get that deal done, it was a complete struggle.

Jackson represented himself in negotiations and demanded to receive a fully guaranteed deal and be unable to place his franchise tag on the Ravens in the future. When discussions reached an impasse, he demanded a trade in March 2023. However, after continued difficult negotiations, an agreement was eventually reached.

NFL executive expects another dramatic Ravens and Lamar Jackson contract battle in 2028

This period when the Ravens are happy is in the rear view. However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some around the NFL believe the team and superstar QB can do it all again in 2028.

An NFC executive told Fowler, “Last time it looked like negotiations were going nowhere and then suddenly a deal appeared.” “It has a chance to be really interesting again, especially if he has a big year and his leverage goes up.”

While he has eight seasons under his belt, Jackson will only be 31 in 2028. So he should still have two or three more prime years left in him. Elite QBs are the biggest assets in the NFL, and all teams will pay big bucks to get them. It wouldn’t be surprising if Jackson decided to bet on himself and hit the market in two years.

However, that’s a problem down the stretch, and the Ravens should be in title contention again this year thanks to the two-time MVP.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Most people would agree that the Baltimore Ravens have one of the best players in the NFL in Lamar Jackson. In addition to being an excellent passer, Jackson is one of the most dangerous players in the league with his feet. Jackson’s lethal combination of skills made him the NFL’s MVP in 2019 and 2023.

Meanwhile, the Ravens have one of the NFL’s best running backs in Derrick Henry, who has topped 1,500 rushing yards in both of his seasons in Baltimore. Combined, Jackson and Henry are one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. Still, given how much both players get banged up on a weekly basis, should the Ravens strengthen their depth behind Henry?

there is siJason La Canfora believes it is time for the Ravens to bring in more help at the RB position behind Henry and ahead of Justice Hill. Taking things a little further, La Canfora believes the ideal trade target is Denver’s Jaleel McLaughlin, who is already familiar with Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

The 5-foot-7, 187-pound McLaughlin will be a far cry from the 6-foot-2, 252-pound Henry. At just 27 years old, McLaughlin’s best season came in 2024, when he recorded 496 yards and a touchdown in five starts in 16 appearances. Last year, his production dropped off, playing in only eight games and rushing for 187 yards and one touchdown.

With Dobbins, 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey, and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman all filling out Denver’s depth chart, the former undrafted McLaughlin, who is from the previous coaching regime, could very well be available. It remains to be seen whether he will be an efficient backup to Henry, but for the low cost of a late selection, it may be worth the gamble.

RELATED: Baltimore Ravens linked to potential trade for new starting center

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

At the beginning of the offseason, there were expectations that the Baltimore Ravens would be able to retain Tyler Linderbaum, their starting center for the past four seasons. The Ravens chose not to pick up his fifth-year contract option worth $23.4 million in 2024, making the three-time Pro Bowler a free agent in March.

Once Linderbaum, widely considered one of the best centers in the NFL, hit the open market, the Las Vegas Raiders wasted no time in making him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Linderbaum agreed to a three-year, $81 million contract, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL, and yes, that’s more than the average the Ravens will be paying him for the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, the Ravens now need a new starting center. Many thought Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta would have found a replacement through free agency or the draft, but he did not do so. However, he recently acknowledged that the Ravens could end up trading for their new pivot. A local insider may have an idea of ​​who Baltimore is targeting.

RELATED: 2 Baltimore Ravens trade ideas for a new center

Recently, ESPN’s Ravens insider Jamison Hensley took a look at three important questions remaining for Baltimore. One of them focused on who would be the team’s new starting center after offensive coordinator Declan Doyle took over.

That’s when he suggested a possible trade candidate, Chicago’s Garrett Bradbury. Interestingly, Bradbury has already been traded once this offseason, sending him from New England to Chicago in exchange for a fifth-round pick. That trade occurred after Chicago’s starting center retired. But the Bears have selected a center in the second round, which could leave Bradbury in a reserve role.

Bradbury, 30, was the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before starting all 17 regular season games and four playoff games with the Patriots last season.

Although he never lived up to his full draft potential, Bradbury has started all 105 games in his seven-year career, and he would certainly be an upgrade for Baltimore.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The 2026 NFL Draft tipped off on Saturday, and by many accounts, the Baltimore Ravens once again had a great weekend. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has been the team’s final decision-maker in terms of signings, trades and team draft prospects since 2019. This was his eighth time presiding over the draft.

While DeCosta is usually in full control of the Ravens’ front office, there was a change at the top for a brief moment during the three-day draft event.

According to DeCosta, when the Ravens were selecting Clemson running back Adam Randall with the 174th overall pick in the fifth round, that selection was actually made by team owner Steve Bisciotti. This was the first time since becoming the team owner in 2001 that he selected a player.

“When we were in Florida, Steve was begging for a draft pick, and he’s the owner of the team,” DeCosta said via the team’s website. “I said, ‘Yes, Steve, of course you can have draft picks.’ So we decided on our final fifth-round pick. He did his research and studied tapes, talked to people. He has a really good relationship with the head coach of Clemson.

The Ravens selected a total of 11 players over draft weekend, so it’s only fitting that the man who owns the team gets some say in Baltimore’s future. Even though it was very unnatural.

Randall now joins a Baltimore depth chart that includes Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, 2024 fifth-round pick Rasheen Ali and UDFA signee Donte McMillan. He faces an uphill climb, but being the owner’s hand-picked choice won’t hurt his chances of cracking the team’s final 53-man roster at the cutdown date.

RELATED: 6 best 2026 NFL draft classes including the Bills and Browns

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

It seems Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta hates name, image and likeness deals in college football. But the reason for this is a bit strange.

Zero money in college sports, especially football, has completely changed the industry. For decades, programs were built entirely around the ability to capture the hearts and minds of high school recruits in their living rooms and kitchens.

However, now a program can only turn things around drastically in one offseason if they have enough money to bring in the best players through the transfer portal or in the high school ranks. While this has brought an absurd level of volatility to college sports, it has also provided athletes with long-standing money-making opportunities. This means they are not in a rush to reach the pro ranks to earn big money

Well, it seems the Ravens general manager hates it because it means he can’t get his hands on prospects any time soon, and isn’t interested in “older” players.

Baltimore Ravens GM hates NFL Draft’s ‘old’ players

“The players are getting older. Not necessarily the average age of the players, but there are older players in the draft,” DeCosta said this week. ‘We are seeing more 24 and 25 year old players. This is because of the void, people are being paid to live. This is problematic for us because if people are coming in at older ages, they will probably get less benefit. In some cases they are not three-contract players; They are players with two contracts. And in some cases, they have suffered more injuries. “They’ve been playing college football a longer time, so they’ve had more injuries.”

“… Before 2024, 4 percent of our players on the draft board could be 24 1/2 or older. Now that number is up to 18 percent. So we’ve seen a 14 percent increase in older players on the draft board,” he said. “…I don’t think it’s certainly a good thing. Historically, we’ve tried to develop young players whenever possible. It’s something we feel strongly about.”

So essentially, DeCosta will want to make college football players less money so he can use them as quickly as possible for the best interest of the Ravens. Even if it means cutting them out of a few seasons. Additionally, while his point about accumulating more injuries is valid, the extra years in college also means being better prepared to make an impact in the NFL rather than requiring more experience and further development.

It’s a little strange to dislike more experienced talents who were able to make good money before the NFL chewed most of them out.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

While New York Giants fans and players are thrilled that John Harbaugh is their new head coach, one of their former stars the Baltimore Ravens is very happy to see him go.

After three poor seasons with Brian Daboll leading the roster, Big Blue fans are excited about the team’s potential with Harbaugh overseeing the veterans. And for good reason. He has a career record of 180–113, led the Ravens to the playoffs in 12 of his 18 seasons, and has a Super Bowl victory on his resume (2012).

Due to his impressive success, it would be understandable if some players in Baltimore were disappointed with Harbaugh’s firing and were fearful about maintaining the standard he set. However, don’t count Jay Flowers out of that group as the two-time Pro Bowler blames the coach for the team’s injury problems in 2025.

Zay Flowers calls John Harbaugh the reason for the Baltimore Ravens’ injury problems in 2025

“Full pads all the time,” Flowers said. Fourth and South Podcast about practices under Harbaugh. “There are any number of practices you can get in pads (in the NFL), every single one. Week 17, we’re practicing one-on-one, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going… That’s why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy.”

The Ravens faced a surprising amount of injuries in 2025, with season-ending illnesses to Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington Jr. and top star Lamar Jackson missing several weeks. In an era where players compete in 17 games and are getting injured more than ever, it is concerning that Harbaugh is still practicing hard at the end of the season.

This approach may have worked 10 years ago, but it may not be suitable for current players. With Harbaugh having so much control in New York, it’s unlikely he’ll be forced to part with his favorite habits in a year. If the Giants have injury problems in 2026, Flowers may have provided an early warning.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Barring another trade, the Baltimore Ravens will add a prospect with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23. Ravens draft projections and predictions have been all over the place so far, with some focusing on the offensive interior, and a large collection predicting a wide receiver.

There’s no way to know which prospects will be available when the Ravens are on the clock next Thursday, but there’s a good chance that one of several first-round receiver prospects will still be up for grabs. The Ravens may also have the opportunity to select top-ranked offensive guard, Vega Ioane, but is selecting a non-tackle in the top half of the first round the best value?

ESPN’s Ravens insider Jamison Henley believes the chances of Baltimore targeting a receiver are much higher. In fact, he suggests there is a “strong possibility” that the Ravens will select a pass-catcher with the 14th overall pick.

Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is widely expected to be the Ravens’ early pick, but between USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordan Tyson, Indiana’s Omar Cooper and Oregon’s tight end Kenyon Saadiq, one of the four is sure to be available at 14.

The Ravens haven’t been afraid to target a receiver in the first round in recent years, targeting Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in 2021 and Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in 2023. Both are starting receivers in Baltimore, but there is still room for another pass-catcher to emerge, and it could be another first-round pick.

RELATED: Baltimore Ravens urged to trade first-round pick for superstar receiver

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Baltimore Ravens have the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, there’s always a possibility that they won’t use the selection. Trades are always possible, and the Ravens could move up or down the draft board.

Or, they could also trade out of the first round.

Recently, Bleacher Report’s Christopher Knox highlighted some potential trade outcomes that could emerge during the draft. In doing so, he suggested that the Ravens could trade the 14th overall pick to the Cowboys in exchange for superstar wide receiver George Pickens, who was coming off a career-high 1,429 receiving yards. Pickens is also entering the final year of his contract, leading some to wonder if Dallas would be open to a blockbuster trade offer.

“Replacing Pickens with a receiver like Kevin Concepcion or Omar Cooper Jr. on a rookie contract would make a lot of financial sense,” Knox wrote. “Snagging Pickens would make sense for a team like the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore could use a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and Pickens would certainly fill that need. He might also get a chance to go up against the Pittsburgh Steelers team that snubbed him a year ago.”

While trading the 14th overall pick would be tough, coming away from the draft with a proven receiver like Pickens would be worth the price. The question is, would the Cowboys really be willing to give up one of their best players?

Some think so, but others believe the Cowboys will not mess up during contract negotiations this time.

RELATED: ‘Very likely’ to draft Baltimore Ravens’ top-ranked player

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

When you have the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s hard to predict which prospect the Baltimore Ravens might select. Of course, they have some glaring needs to fill, especially after All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency.

While there is no center prospect who is projected to be a first-round pick, there is another interior lineman who could help stabilize Baltimore’s trenches. If the board doesn’t go their way, the Ravens may be able to hire a top player as his replacement.

Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports reported that Penn State offensive guard Oliveira Ioane is “very likely” to land with the Ravens with the 14th pick.

Pauline wrote, “The news inside the league is that people expect Penn State’s Olivavega Ioane to be selected in the top-15, and it’s very possible he lands with the Baltimore Ravens, who own the 14th selection.” “Not every team has Ione at the top of their guard board, yet the majority do, including teams considering the position in Round 1.”

Ioane is widely regarded as the best guard prospect in the draft class, and it’s not even close. While there are a few guards who could land in the second round, Ioane is the only one expected to hear his name called on opening day, and he would be a great fit in Baltimore, which could use some reinforcements on their line.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a neck injury early last season, leading many to wonder if it would threaten his career. Luckily for Baltimore, it appears all hope for a comeback is not lost.

According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, there is now “increasing optimism” within the Ravens organization that Madubuike may be able to return to football.

Head coach Jesse Minter and general manager Eric DeCosta have both been asked about Madubuike this offseason. Each time, top Baltimore officials refused to provide an update.

Madubuike, 28, has started the 2025 NFL season in great form. He earned a 73.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, recording 4 pressures, 3 quarterback hits, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks through two games. He was removed from the second week’s game with a neck injury and was placed on injured reserve a few weeks later, with the team never giving any indication that he would return.

Without the 6-foot-3 defensive tackle, Baltimore’s pass rush suffered. The Ravens finished the regular season with the fifth-lowest pressure rate (19 percent) in the NFL and the fifth-lowest ESPN pass-rush win rate (30 percent).

A possible indication regarding Madubuike’s long-term health could come as early as the 2026 NFL Draft. With the 14th overall pick, Baltimore can take one of the top interior defensive linemen available. If the situation isn’t addressed in the first three rounds, it’s a pretty good sign that Madubuike may have a real chance to play for Baltimore again.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Baltimore Ravens have been heavily involved throughout the offseason, including arguably the biggest controversy in the NFL following a trade for Max Crosby. Although they did not get Crosby, the Ravens did turn their attention to what some might call the best pass-rusher available in free agency by signing Trey Hendrickson.

They have also seen some of their players leave in free agency, whether it be by signing a deal with a different team or simply having their contracts expire. One player who has not yet signed a new deal is DeAndre Hopkins.

Still, the three-time All-Pro has been busy criticizing his former team on social media.

On Monday, Hopkins tweeted the following message:

“How many times do you think I was used in the red zone after this? I’m still one of the most productive guys when targeted but I have never complained with my snaps and never will. Fact!”

Hopkins was responding to a tweet that urged the Ravens to bring the 33-year-old wideout back to Baltimore. Still, it doesn’t seem like Hopkins has any strong interest in re-signing in Baltimore after starting only three of his 17 appearances.

In that time, Hopkins has been targeted only 39 times. But he caught 22 of those passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. However, the five-time Pro Bowler’s numbers have been declining over the past few seasons. In 2024, Hopkins combined for only 610 yards and five touchdowns while splitting time between the Titans and Chiefs.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Baltimore Ravens have made two surprising moves in the last 12 hours. The Las Vegas Raiders announced that the Ravens have backed out of their trade for EDGE Max Crosby on Tuesday night. Baltimore signed free-agent EDGE Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

This is a surprising development, considering the Ravens had two first-round picks and Hendrickson on the same contract as Crosby. Adding Hendrickson and two first-round picks in place of Crosby is undoubtedly an improvement; However, according to an NFL insider, the league’s perception is not good for the organization.

As NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports, many NFL decision makers believe the Ravens got “cold feet” when trading for Crosby, and that could have an impact on the way other teams work with the organization. Baltimore reportedly backed out of trading Crosby due to a failed physical on Tuesday.

However, it has been made clear by multiple people at all levels of the NFL that Baltimore had medical information and understood where Crosby’s knee was at in terms of his recovery timeline, as reported by Diana Russini of The Athletic. Needless to say, NFL team personnel are unhappy after Hendrickson signed with the organization.

The Ravens have made no announcement about backing out of trading for Crosby. For now, Baltimore has to undergo a physical on Hendrickson, who is coming off core muscle surgery. The Raiders are welcoming Crosby back to the organization, leaving the door open for another trade.

It remains to be seen how NFL team personnel and agents will proceed with negotiations with the Ravens. If true, it could affect the way Baltimore does business with other teams.

READ MORE: Winners and losers from the Baltimore Ravens signing with Hendrickson after failed Crosby trade

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

A new rumor suggests that the Minnesota Vikings could be the biggest beneficiaries after Max Crosby ended up being traded to the Baltimore Ravens and Trey Hendrickson moved to Baltimore.

On Tuesday night, NFL fans were stunned when the Las Vegas Raiders revealed that the Ravens have backed out of a planned trade for the five-time Pro Bowler. Following the news, reports emerged that the results of Tuesday’s physical exam left the medical team uneasy about Crosby’s long-term outlook.

Yet, despite adding one of the best pass rushers in the game, the Ravens made a surprising pivot on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that the franchise and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson had agreed to a four-year deal worth $112 million.

The Cincinnati Bengals star was the best pass rusher on the 2026 free agent market so far. One obvious consideration would be that teams losing Hendrickson would consider a possible trade for Crosby. However, what scared off Baltimore will likely be an issue for other interested teams like the Dallas Cowboys.

Vikings Greenard may soon become a very popular item

But a new report reveals which player teams are focusing on now that Hendrickson is no longer available. Diana Russini of The Athletic reports, “Look for teams in need of pass rush help to turn their attention to a potential trade for Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard, who several teams have inquired about.”

Along with Hendrickson, Jalen Phillips and Odafe Oweh – the next-best pass rushers in free agency – also signed with new teams this week. Considering concerns about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee, the Vikings could be at the center of an unexpected bidding war for the one-time Pro Bowler.

Greenard posted 12 or more sacks in 2023 and 2024. However, injuries limited him to only 12 games and three sacks last season. Still, impact pass rushers are hard to find, and with two seasons left on the 28-year-old’s contract, he should still get a very good return in a trade.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Max Crosby thought his next chapter was closed. Plan? Leave the Las Vegas Raiders and get ready for the Baltimore Ravens, joining a new locker room and chasing wins in a new system. On Friday night, March 6, 2026, Baltimore reportedly moved to bring the star defensive end on board.

But by Tuesday night, March 10, the deal was completely resolved. After conducting a thorough medical evaluation, the Ravens decided to back out of the move due to concerns regarding Crosby’s knee. Just like that, the deal that seemed complete fell apart before it could even get off the ground.

Then came the pivot. On Wednesday morning, news came that Baltimore was signing pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year contract, changing its offseason plans and leaving Crosby without the landing spot many had hoped for.

However, Crosby is not publicly angry. The Raiders star has taken to social media, posting celebratory, upbeat content rather than expressing his disappointment. But in the NFL, nothing is ever just a post.

So this begs the question: Is Crosby simply keeping the spirits high, or is there a subtle message hidden in those celebrations?

Crosby’s cryptic post fuels the offseason rumor mill

Max Crosby is celebrating a big personal milestone — even if his blockbuster move to Baltimore falls apart. On Wednesday, the star defensive end marked six years of sobriety, sharing the moment on social media while the NFL world was still buzzing about the collapsed deal that would have sent him from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens.

“3/11/20. 6 years sober,” Crosby posted on X, adding two emojis—a bald eagle and a diamond.
“God doesn’t make mistakes.”

At first glance, it seems like a straightforward celebration of his journey. But the wording—and those emojis—fans can read between the lines.

The phrase “God doesn’t make mistakes” paired with the bald eagle certainly caught attention. Around the league, “Fly Eagles Fly” has become one of those hype tracks players blast before big games, so it’s possible Crosby was simply leaning into that energy with the eagle emoji.

But this is where things get interesting. The Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly among the teams pushing to land Trey Hendrickson this offseason. Baltimore ultimately won that sweepstakes with a four-year deal that closed the door for Philly to bring the veteran pass rusher to town.

That leaves the Eagles still looking for a game-destroying defensive end – the kind of edge rusher who can swing games in a single series. And given that Philadelphia is still nursing the sting of last season’s Super Bowl heartbreak, it wouldn’t be surprising if the front office is aggressively exploring every option to upgrade the pass rush.

So Crosby’s post might just be about gratitude and growth. Or… this could be the most subtle offseason smoke signal in the NFL rumor mill.

A new rumor suggests that the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to back out of trading for Maxx Crosby has scuppered plans to create the scariest pass rush combo in the NFL.

On Tuesday night, NFL fans were stunned when the Las Vegas Raiders revealed that the Ravens have backed out of a planned trade that would have sent the five-time Pro Bowler to Baltimore. Following the news, reports emerged that the results of Tuesday’s physical exam left the medical team uneasy about Crosby’s long-term outlook.

Yet, despite adding one of the best pass rushers in the game, the Ravens made a surprising pivot on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that the franchise and top free agent Trey Hendrickson had agreed to a four-year deal worth $112 million.

Ravens plan to pair Crosby and Hendrickson in 2026

Everyone’s assumption is that the Ravens moved to sign the Cincinnati Bengals star after they backed out of a deal to acquire Crosby. However, adding Hendrickson was just another part of a grand plan to add a pair of elite pass rushers.

“He actually had a conversation with Trey Hendrickson about teaming up with Max Crosby,” Schefter revealed during an appearance Wednesday morning. Rise. “And when the conversation first started, Trey Hendrickson had in mind that he would be in Baltimore with Max Crosby. But alas, that did not happen.”

The combination of Crosby and Hendrickson would have immediately put the Ravens at the forefront of the best pass rush in the entire NFL the following season. Division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns now know that they were very lucky when the Crosby deal fell through. Because their QB was close to being in serious trouble in his two games against Baltimore the following season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens!

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Baltimore Ravens have attempted to bring in some fairly high-profile receivers to catch passes from two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Still, a strong case can be made that Odell Beckham Jr. and De’Andre Hopkins were past their prime by the time they arrived in Baltimore.

Now, the Ravens may be closing in on a trade for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver who has been a major part of their team’s overall success, including a Super Bowl win in 2024.

According to Jeff McClain philadelphia enquirerThe Ravens have emerged as a “potential” trade suitor for AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. But the Ravens are not alone. McClain suggests the New England Patriots, who are led by Mike Vrabel, the Browns’ former head coach at Tennessee, are another “potential” suitor.

Brown has recorded 1,000-yard seasons in six of seven seasons since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft as the 51st overall pick. After three seasons he was traded from Tennessee to Philadelphia when the Titans would not commit to the type of long-term contract Brown wanted.

When Brown was 24, he was traded for first- and third-round selections. Now 28 years old, still established, we’ll see what the business costs this time. Even if he has been dealt with, teams are certainly trying.

RELATED: Baltimore Ravens’ Pro Bowler may be ‘gone for good’

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ