Eric DeCosta emphasized a point he feels is crucial: he genuinely wanted to collaborate well with Maxx Crosby on the Ravens.
His disappointment over the situation is palpable.
On Wednesday, DeCosta spoke about the unsuccessful trade with the Raiders, which the Ravens decided to withdraw from on Tuesday night after hearing about concerns regarding Crosby’s medical status.
“No one is more upset about this than me,” DeCosta mentioned, expressing his deep disappointment. “It’s very disappointing for me. But we’re going to move forward as a football team.”
The Ravens had signed star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, but DeCosta admitted they originally intended to pair him with Crosby following the trade that sent center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders.
However, complications during Crosby’s physical led the Baltimore team to cancel the transaction, returning the five-time Pro Bowler to Las Vegas.
While specifics about the concerns remain unclear, Crosby was informed by the Raiders that he wouldn’t play in the last two games of the season and underwent meniscus surgery in January.
“I can understand why people have their theories,” DeCosta commented regarding reactions to the trade’s collapse. “But I have a responsibility to the Ravens.”
He also tried to reassure fans about interest from other teams, saying that even though the deal with the Raiders didn’t go through—where two first-round picks would have been involved—”the phone didn’t stop ringing.”
Earlier, in a report on NFL Network, an unnamed general manager critiqued the Ravens’ approach to the situation.
“This is very bullish for the city of Baltimore,” an executive shared with the network.
While the Ravens won’t be adding Crosby this offseason, they have made a significant investment in Hendrickson, who currently leads the NFL with 17.5 sacks and boasts four Pro Bowl selections, having achieved first-team All-Pro status in 2024.
At 31, Hendrickson has accumulated 88 sacks over 117 games played with the Saints and Bengals, playing a vital role in the Ravens’ strong defense.
As for Crosby, his future is still uncertain.
