NFL Rumors on Maxx Crosby's Injury, Ravens' Concerns on 'Degenerative Issue' in Raiders Star's Knee

The Baltimore Ravens had medical concerns about a reported "degenerative issue" in star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby's left knee en route to pulling back on their trade agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders to send a pair of first-round draft picks to the Silver and Black for the five-time Pro Bowler.

ESPN's Ryan McFadden reported the news on Tuesday amid an in-depth piece about how the blockbuster deal fell apart.

"In addition to their own doctors, the Ravens had a handful of doctors outside the organization weigh in on Crosby's knee, including Dan Cooper, a renowned knee specialist and the Cowboys' team doctor," McFadden wrote.

"In the past, Dallas has leaned on Cooper's expertise in making decisions such as drafting Jaylon Smith in the second round in 2016, despite torn ligaments and nerve damage, and drafting Shavon Revel Jr. last year in the third round despite a torn ACL.

"But Cooper was not the primary voice in determining whether Baltimore should back out of the deal.

"The consensus was that Crosby would be able to play in 2026. The Ravens' concern centered on the uncertainty of Crosby's durability after a couple of seasons in Baltimore because of a degenerative issue in his knee, a source told ESPN."

Crosby played most of the 2025 season with a left knee injury, and he ended up getting surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee last January.

After news broke of Baltimore backing out on the deal, Crosby's surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, provided an update him, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"Maxx Crosby is doing very well in the early part of his rehab and recovery from surgery to treat a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. He is certainly on track in his planned program…he feels very well and is already much improved compared to before surgery.

"We truly respect the work of the Ravens staff with Maxx regarding the contract physical exam. We also understand the challenge the staff faces when tasked to provide a future risk assessment based on an evaluation early in the recovery process. This is especially challenging when dealing with an elite player like Maxx considering the level of commitment necessary for a team to obtain him. The timing of this assessment is unfortunate because the apparent risk will lessen as his recovery progresses and his return to performance over the next few months becomes clear.

"At this point, Max is doing an excellent job attacking his rehab and his knee is responding very well. We look forward to Maxx returning to his elite level of performance this season as planned and for several more to come."

Crosby has played all seven of his seasons with the Raiders after being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Eastern Michigan. He's amassed 164 quarterback hits and 69.5 sacks over his career, including 10 or more sacks in four of his seven seasons. Last year, Crosby finished with 73 tackles (45 solo) and 10 sacks in 15 games.

Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension in 2025, per Over the Cap. His current contract takes him through the 2029 season.

At this point, it appears Crosby is sticking in town, and that's his clear desire at this point, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on the Rich Eisen Show (h/t Las Vegas sports reporter Nick Walters).

Crosby returns to a Raider team that's turning a new page with head coach Klint Kubiak at the helm and (presumably) Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza calling the shots at QB, assuming Las Vegas selects him No. 1 in the upcoming draft.