Alex Monfreda@AlexMonfreda
My full thoughts on the Maxx Crosby situation:
Let me start with the Ravens side of this. Obviously, everyone in Baltimore - and everyone else - knew Maxx Crosby wouldn’t pass a physical today. That’s not news. My best guess is this: The Ravens, and this part is what I do know, hoped to retain more than one player lost in FA. None more notable than Tyler Linderbaum, who Eric DeCosta, the Ravens’ GM, wouldn’t commit to the three-year deal offered by the Raiders. Ian Rapoport was the first to confirm that fact. The Maxx Crosby deal took place before ‘legal tampering’ officially kicked off, meaning, the Ravens weren’t to know how things would turn out with those they hope to retain.
This is where my best guess comes in: After a full strikeout, DeCosta reassessed the state of things, and thought it would be best to hang onto assets as Baltimore is missing key parts he hoped would return, especially after reality hit on where Maxx was, and where everyone knew he would be. So, he took advantage of what some may call a loophole; in reality, just exercising his best available option. Which.. in many ways, it’s hard to fault a GM for doing. Even if it’s not the best look.
Now, for the Raiders:
The decision to ‘move on’ from Maxx, and I say ‘move on’ in quotes as, perhaps, it was more of Maxx’s decision to move on from the Raiders, is one that actually benefitted both LV and the team that acquired Maxx Crosby. That’s because, without Maxx, it’s a calm, smooth sail for John Spytek as he begins a true build. There’s no [understandable] rush or pressure from a fantastic vet refusing to waste his prime with a team that may not be looking to put all of the pieces together today. With Maxx pressured to be in Baltimore, Spytek set course to the new timeline he created in the meanwhile, ensuring every move made was done to maintain the same window.. when it may come. A timeline that, frankly, Crosby doesn’t fall into. Which no one knew better than Maxx himself, thus leading to his inquiry.
For the above reasons, I do believe starting fresh, for now, is in the best interest of both parties, and will come to pass regardless. But it’s become a bit more difficult now.
No, that’s not because Maxx failed his physical. Again — everyone knew that would be the case. It’s because FA has begun. Pass-rush needy teams have agreed to terms with Jaelan Phillips. Odafe Oweh. Boye Mafe. Teams looking for a stud pass rusher have now got exactly that. Rashan Gary was traded to the Cowboys; the perceived ‘runner up’ in the Crosby sweepstakes. What can the Raiders do now? Everyone has already taken to their plan-A/B’s. And why wouldn’t they? That’s just everyone doing their jobs.
So what happens now?
Best case scenario, there’s a team out there that was banking on one of those aforementioned studs - Phillips, Oweh, or Mafe, or even Gary - and missed out. Now, they’re pivoting to a golden opportunity that just became available, being Maxx Crosby, and pay more than they may have before, being Crosby is the best option at EDGE out there.
However, Trey Hendrickson (31) remains a FA, and a contender wouldn’t have to give up any assets for him. Hendrickson is reportedly ready to make a decision tomorrow.
