Raiders GM John Spytek Describes Failed Maxx Crosby Trade Aftermath

In an alternate universe, Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby reported to the Baltimore Ravens’ voluntary minicamp on Monday.

The Raiders and Ravens had a trade in place to send Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks on March 6. By March 10, the Raiders announced that the Ravens had “backed out” of the trade agreement. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, among many others, reported that the Ravens killed the trade due to “medical concerns that arose during a physical.” Crosby underwent knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in January.

Two days later, Crosby posted on X that he planned to remain with the Raiders, though he used more colorful language.

Since then, it has been assumed that the Raiders wouldn’t try to trade Crosby again, and Raiders general manager John Spytek confirmed nothing has changed on that front while appearing on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Monday.

“It’s been great,” Spytek said. “He really never left. I mean, if we look at the actual transaction, he’s never not been a Raider. He came in [on] his first day back and sat in my office with me a little bit, and we talked things through like we always do. I’ve had a great line of communication. Maxx and I have had a lot of great conversations since I’ve been here. Some of them have been easy, when you’re giving him a new contract, some of them have been challenging.”

Spytek added, “I think we’re always honest with each other. There’s been a lot of growth in those conversations as well, and Maxx is working his tail off. He’s gonna be ready to rock in training camp, and we expect him to play good football this year and for many years to come. Things have an interesting way of working out, however they do, and we’re thrilled to have Maxx here with us.”

The Raiders extended Crosby on a reported three-year, $106.5 million contract in March 2025. Las Vegas drafted Crosby in the fourth round in 2019, and he’s developed into the face of a franchise and a five-time Pro Bowler.

Crosby has 69.5 sacks, 439 tackles (278 solo), 164 quarterback hits, and 133 tackles for loss across seven seasons.

With Eisen, Spytek also spoke about the Raiders’ presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza - the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday - signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, and his working relationship with Tom Brady. Watch the full segment below.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 8:50 PM.