The Baltimore Ravens sent shockwaves across the NFL when they sent two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders in return for Maxx Crosby. They once again turned heads when they backed out of the trade. Now, the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is back with the Silver & Black.
Apparently, the Ravens reneged on the deal because Crosby didn't pass his physical. However, they knew he was still recovering from a knee surgery he underwent earlier this year, and it's odd that Baltimore didn't want him to wait for him to recover.
It's possible that Crosby's injury was more serious than originally expected, but there's an equal chance the Ravens got cold feet. Either way, the former East Michigan Eagle is back on the table, and it wouldn't hurt the Jags to give Las Vegas a call and see what it would take to get a deal done.
The Jaguars could try to trade for Maxx Crosby again
Before the Ravens acquired Maxx Crosby, the Jags had shown interest in trading for him. Aside from re-signing Montaric Brown, they haven't made any splash moves, so they could most definitely try to go after him again.
Sure, his recovery from the knee surgery is worth monitoring, but if it accounts for something, Crosby's agent says that he's ahead of schedule.
"Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery, and if anything, is ahead of schedule, according to his surgeon Dr. Neal El Attrache," CJ LaBoy wrote on Twitter. "Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons."
For his part, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Crosby is back with Las Vegas and will resume his training and rehab program in their facility, adding that he's "ready to play football for the Raiders."
Based on Rapoport's wording, the Raiders seem to be comfortable keeping Crosby, but if they're willing to trade him, they could be open to the possibility again. This could prompt Jacksonville to get on the phone.
The Jaguars could offer Brian Thomas as part a trade for Maxx Crosby
Trading for Maxx Crosby wouldn't be cheap. That much we know after the Ravens debacle. On top of that, the Jaguars would need to free up space to take on his contract (he has cap hits of around $28 million every year through 2028). But it's doable.
To free up space, the Jags could shop offensive tackle Walker Little. Per Spotrac, trading the hog molly could free up as much as $11 million. Jacksonville could then rework a handful of deals. Josh Hines-Allen, DaVon Hamilton, Arik Armstead, and Foyesade Oluokun are among the players who could have their contracts restructured. Simply put, general manager James Gladstone has plenty of room to work with.
Once the Jaguars have created space, they could put together a package for Crosby. They don't have a first-round selection in 2026 after moving up for two-way star Travis Hunter last year, but the team's brass could offer their 2027 first-round pick, one of their third-rounders in 2026 (they have three), and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Sure, Jacksonville isn't interested in moving Thomas, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, and it would make sense to keep him around, as he gives the offense a deep threat that can stretch the field. Having said that, he also gives the Jaguars a trade piece that could allow them to trade for Crosby.
It would come down to how comfortable the Jaguars feel about Maxx Crosby's recovery, but now that he's on the table, the top brass needs to at least entertain the possibility of trading for him.