Maxx Crosby’s reaction to the failed trade speaks volumes about his maturity. While fans and analysts criticize the Ravens for what appears to be a questionable move, Crosby remains focused on personal triumphs. He recently celebrated six years of sobriety and took to X to rally Raider Nation, signaling his readiness for the 2026 season.
Enter Emmanuel Acho, who argues that Crosby should feel a sense of outrage.
What are his reasons? First, he points out that the Ravens were fully aware of Crosby’s injury history. A meniscus surgery and being sidelined for the final two games of the 2025 season is hardly news to the league. Yet, the Ravens still pursued a trade.
Next, Acho notes that Crosby is reportedly ahead in his rehabilitation process. This brings into question the Ravens’ concerns about his knee, making their motives seem suspicious.
Lastly, Acho emphasizes that Crosby should be upset with the media. According to him, they have been engaging in what he terms a “hit job” against the star pass rusher.
“Maxx should feel disgusted by the intentional, public hit job by so many reporters. Not just [Dianna] Russini, it’s not an attack on Russini. But [Adam] Schefter himself is also putting out, ‘Well, the Ravens wanted to acquire [Trey] Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby,’” said Acho on the Speakeasy podcast.
Acho contends that the narrative being pushed, which suggested the Ravens needed two pass rushers, is a tactic. In his view, it’s an attempt to explain away the failed trade as stemming from Crosby’s injury.
Acho argues that the Ravens were likely looking for a more cost-effective solution in Hendrickson, who they ultimately signed for a 4-year, $112 million deal. This decision allowed them to keep their original first-round picks, suggesting that the trade’s collapse was less about Crosby’s injury and more about fiscal strategy.
“The Ravens realized Trey Hendrickson is still available after a day and a half of free agency. We want the pass rusher that’s recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, just two and three years ago, for cheaper. And we can keep our picks… It is not about Maxx Crosby’s knee injury—everyone knew he was hurt,”
Many voices alongside Acho share this sentiment, arguing that the Ravens maneuvered to acquire Hendrickson while avoiding the complexity of the Crosby trade. Even Stephen A. Smith has noted that Baltimore’s GM Eric DeCosta could have navigated the situation more transparently, suggesting they should have communicated their hesitance if they doubted Crosby’s health.
“You could easily say, ‘We’ve reconsidered this deal because we want to keep these two first-round picks and we have an opportunity to get Trey Hendrickson, and this is a business decision,’” Stephen A. said. “If you had approached it this way, while it may not have been welcomed, it wouldn’t have seemed as corrupt or shady.”
Despite the turmoil, one might argue that Crosby should redirect any frustration and aim for a standout season. With the strategic acquisitions the Raiders have made and their anticipated moves in the draft, Crosby’s performance has the potential to propel the team into contention.
