'Degenerative issue' center of Crosby trade collapse, Cowboys offer re-confirmed
It's been over two weeks, but the Crosby trade debacle is still generating interest. ESPN has tied all of their reporting into a neat bow.
Somehow, the failed Maxx Crosby trade scenarios are still front and center on the NFL landscape. The star edge rusher seems to be fully committed to staying with the Las Vegas Raiders after his trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through earlier in the month. The All-Pro was sent out in exchange for two first-round picks, compensation above the Dallas Cowboys ' best offer, but the Ravens got cold feet and nixed the trade after his incoming physical.
There were no secrets apparently, as ESPN has run a new article documenting all of the various pieces that were written throughout the ordeal into one lengthy summary piece released today. The world knew Crosby had recently had knee surgery, but they voiced concerns about the fact that there was an issue with a degenerative condition, and Cowboys team doctor Dan Cooper was somewhat involved. During Crosby's eventual meeting with Minter and DeCosta, he said the energy felt off.
He then grew terrified after DeCosta informed him that one of the doctors had concerns about his knee, and they wanted to get additional opinions. 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. 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.