Fallout of the Maxx Crosby debacle just dealt the Steelers multiple losses amid controversial situation with the Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers are not immune to what the Ravens have done with Maxx Crosby.
In one of the wildest moves in recent NFL history, the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade for superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby late on Tuesday, sending him back to the Las Vegas Raiders. Baltimore is citing a failed physical for Crosby, stating that they weren’t comfortable parting ways with so much draft capital in what they viewed as a declining asset.
Here’s the problem, though, because the Ravens sent Crosby back, they get their draft compensation back. On top of that, however, the Ravens signed one of the best pass rushers in the league to replace Crosby, taking him from the Bengals and keeping him in the division.
Ravens get two first-round picks back, sign Trey Hendrickson
The Ravens had a very quiet free agency for the first couple of days. Before the snip-snap situation with Crosby, the Ravens added only one external free agent to go with the Crosby trade, and they parted ways with two first-round picks.
Things weren’t looking great in Baltimore.
However, following their decision to rescind the offer, the Ravens now have more cap space; they signed another high-level pass rusher via Hendrickson, and they have their first-round pick for 2026 and 2027 back in the fold.
That’s a slap in the face for the Steelers, both now and in the future. Say what you want about the Ravens, but they are notoriously good at drafting players. They once again have the 14th pick in the draft, and they sign a player who has been a thorn in the side of the Steelers for years via Hendrickson.
Ravens went from depleted to replenished
Here’s the thing, Crosby is a great player. But he was coming off a torn meniscus and approaching his age-30 season. The Ravens were set to have no first-rounders for the next two years, lost arguably their best offensive lineman in free agency, had to pay Lamar Jackson, and made just one free-agent acquisition.
They have to be feeling a lot better about getting a durable pass rusher and both of their picks back, and that’s not great for the Steelers or any team in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Grading the signing: Steelers make late-night move that could be an under-the-radar addition for the defense come September
The Steelers signed an important depth piece late on Tuesday, and he could be a factor in 2026.
